Violence against women with disabilities is a social problem with important consequences for their physical and mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared violence against women as a public health priority issue in 1996 and the fact that violence is used by the intimate partner and upon women with disabilities exacerbates the situation. Therefore, this is an issue that must be addressed from a public health viewpoint. Violence is studied from various aspects: Physical, psychological, sexual, or social control, and its multiple consequences in women’s health and the use of health services. In this perspective, with the data from the VI Violence against Women Macro-survey 2019 (VWM-2019) and adjusted to Spain, this study examines the incidence of intimate partner violence and its consequences in the health of women with disabilities and its impact on health services. Using binary logistic regression, the greater vulnerability of this group to these attacks is stated and the need to address this issue to improve the health of these people is brought to light.

Background: For as long as data have been collected, women with disabilities have had worse health conditions than other women. Moreover, women with disabilities make more use of healthcare services than women without disabilities. Objective: The main aim of this study is to analyze the impact of various factors on the use of healthcare services by this group of women at risk of exclusion. Methods: Binary logistic regression models are used to examine seven indicators of the use of healthcare services and evaluate the influence of factors, such as age and emotional and personal support. To that end, the analysis uses data from the most recent Spanish National Health Survey (SNHS, 2017) published by the Spanish Statistical Office (INE). Results: Studies on the use of healthcare services have focused on the influence of social status on economic factors and do not include explanatory variables relating to the social and family environment of women with disabilities. Therefore, this study includes variables representing home care services and emotional and personal support to capture the impact of human relationships and the home care environment on health in such a way that its importance and its effect on the use of health services can be determined, distinguishing between the general population and the female population with disabilities. Conclusion: The data in this study revealed important differences in the use of healthcare services by women with disabilities compared to other women and the population in general, as mentioned in the table and the results indicated above. It is essential that healthcare workers and policymakers identify and account for the different requirements of women with disabilities.

It is generally accepted that people with disabilities make greater use of health services. Moreover, certain social circumstances alter the intensity of such use. This manuscript seeks to analyze the existing differences in the use of healthcare among women with and without disabilities, to study the impact of emotional and personal support (EPS) on such use and to assess the reduction of the economic cost that this factor entails. Data from the Spanish National Health Survey (SNHS-2017) and updated unit costs of health services have been used to estimate the differences in use attributable to disability and the economic impact of emotional and personal support. The empirical results show an association between disability and perceived EPS, the latter being less common among Spanish women with disabilities. In addition, within this group, EPS significantly influences the levels of use of health services. Finally, the net effect of a perceived EPS increase would translate into a reduction in the economic costs of health care for women with disabilities.

One of the main focuses of social innovation is the fight for social inclusion for all. The prevalence of violence against women with disabilities shows how the lack of recognition of diversity hinders real equality for these individuals. This violence is a structural problem that is caused by a combination of gender and disability dynamics, the perpetuating inequalities and social exclusion. Researchers have analyzed specific vulnerabilities in the areas of work, education and health, and point out that only by addressing diversity can we overcome the consequences of such discrimination. Using a qualitative methodological approach, this study utilized critical documentary analysis and a thematic review of recent scientific, academic, and institutional literature, alongside empirical data, to identify the most prevalent forms of violence faced by women with disabilities: sexual (affecting up to 80% of women with disabilities), economic (with wage gaps exceeding 24%), and institutional (a lack of accessibility to basic services). The barriers hindering these women’s access to resources and services are also highlighted. The results point to the urgent need to develop innovative public policies and social strategies that value social diversity as a driver of change. This study concludes with specific recommendations for implementing inclusive approaches that promote equality, universal accessibility, and comprehensive protection in order to move toward more just, cohesive, and innovative societies.