Background: There is an increasing body of evidence on the extent and predictors of violence against women in
Nepal. However, much of the published research does not yet take into account additional features of marginalization
and vulnerability suffered by some women – for example, women socially excluded on account of their disability.
Critical gaps exist in empirical data on the extent, risk factors, access to care, socio-economic and health consequences
of violence among women with disabilities in Nepal. This paper addresses some these gaps and aims to promote
evidence-informed policy and programme responses in Nepal.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 475 women with disability aged 16 years and above in three
districts in Nepal. In-depth interviews with 12 women who reported violence in the survey were also carried out. Using
multivariate statistical methods we estimated the prevalence and risk factors for violence experienced both over the
past 12 months and lifetime.
Results: Over the lifetime, 57.7% of women reported they had ever experienced violence, including emotional
violence (55.2%); physical violence (34%); and sexual violence (21.5%). Over the preceding 12 months, 42% of women
reported that they had experienced violence. Multivariate analysis showed that women with disabilities who were
young, working in paid employment, and those who required permission from husbands/family to go to health
centres or participate in community organizations were at increased risk of violence. Women experienced a range of
negative outcomes from violence – including physical and emotional trauma. However, a majority of women did not
seek care or redress from the health, justice or other sectors.
Conclusions: Women in Nepal are at high risk of violence, often from members of their immediate family or local
community. Rates of violence are higher in women with disability than among women in the general population.
Tackling violence requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of women’s unequal position in
society, and builds upon principles of equity and justice to ensure that all women are able to realize their rights to a
life free from violence