Men and women with disability are at much greater risk of sexual violence than those without disability, according to a new report.
The report, released by the Disability Royal Commission on Monday night, found that young women with disability were more than twice as likely to report sexual violence in the last year.
A quarter of young people with disability reported violence in that time, compared to 11 per cent in older age groups.
For Nicole Lee - the figures substantiate what she both experienced and saw firsthand for several years.
The mother of two was a victim of physical, emotional and financial abuse.
Nicole Lee Source: SBS News
“(The report) sits with what I understand in the community, from other people’s experiences and my own experiences - we just never had the evidence or data to go along with what we know and now we do,” Ms Lee told SBS News.
“Women’s issues are disabled women’s issues and yet they are treated in silence.”
Serena Ovens, chief executive of the Physical Disability Council of NSW, says it’s often more difficult for women with a disability to seek help in a violent relationship.
“Women with a disability often feel trapped in these relationships especially those with intellectual disabilities, they don’t know the support available to them,” Ms Ovens said.
“They often are forced to stay longer in violent relationships because getting into (women’s) refuges is often difficult for them."
According to the report, more than 60 per cent or 2,375,997 of Australians with disability experience physical, social, intimate partner violence or emotional abuse.
People with a disability are also 2.6 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence and 1.8 times more likely to experience physical violence, compared to those without a disability.
“The statistics can’t be ignored now, this needs to signal an inquiry and look into mental health and disability systems across the country,” Ms Lee said.
Ms Ovens says the statistics are particularly concerning because of how vulnerable people with a disability often are.
“We shouldn't stand by and watch this happen to anyone, particularly people with a disability who might not have the capability to speak for themselves,” she said.
It’s now hoped the report will create change.
“We need to flip these findings around and say: How do we provide quality support for people?," La Trobe University Professor Christine Bigby said.
"We need commitment, training, community change.
“Startling figures are important in drawing attention but it’s got to be followed up by action."
Professor Bigby also says an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is needed.
“The NDIS was hoped to answer all the problems and so far it really hasn’t changed the quality of the support that people are getting,” Professor Bigby said.
Others say it’s a matter of increasing public awareness.
“We need to make everyone in the community see people with a disability as equals from when they start school, to employment to being out socially,” Ms Ovens said.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit .
