Today’s violence and prejudice against people with disabilities goes back to the practice of institutionalization, which started in Europe and the United States a century ago.
Violence towards people with disabilities has come about because they have been devalued and dehumanised, and no-one has taken responsibility.
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The Senate inquiry into violence against people with disability shows the root cause of violence, neglect and abuse of people with disability begins with the de-valuing of their lives.
The bouquet held by Bolshy Divas member Jackie Softly represents the people with disability whose accounts of violence and abuse the Senate inquiry heard in Perth, but these are just the tip of the iceberg.
AAP/Sarah Motherwell
Accountability for the violence and abuse that people with disability experience begins with recording the offences. In fact, we have long ignored crimes against vulnerable members of our community.