2.4 Explain why the following factors may put some individuals at higher risk of domestic abuse: • gender • disability • sexual orientation • ethnicity

This guide will help you answer 2.4 Explain why the following factors may put some individuals at higher risk of domestic abuse: • gender • disability • sexual orientation • ethnicity.

Gender and Domestic Abuse Risk

Gender plays a significant role in the risk of domestic abuse. Women experience higher recorded levels of domestic abuse worldwide. This does not mean men cannot be victims. Men can and do face abuse. However, social attitudes, cultural norms and power imbalances in relationships often place women at higher risk.

In many societies, traditional gender roles give men more control over finances, decision-making and freedom. This can lead to situations where a male partner feels entitled to control or dominate a woman, which can result in emotional, physical, sexual or financial abuse.

Women may be targeted because of perceived weakness or dependency. They may face threats of violence if they try to leave a relationship. In some settings, female victims are blamed for the abuse. This discourages reporting and increases risk.

Men can face specific challenges too. Abuse against men is often underreported because of stigma. Some men fear they will not be taken seriously. Others worry about being seen as weak or unmasculine. This lack of support can leave them trapped in harmful relationships.

Common gender-related risk factors include:

• Belief in strict traditional gender roles
• Economic dependency on a partner
• Social stigma around reporting abuse
• Fear of retaliation if abuse is disclosed
• Cultural acceptance of violence towards women

Domestic abuse linked to gender causes physical injury, psychological harm and long-term emotional trauma. Understanding how gender affects vulnerability is key to offering effective support and intervention.

Disability and Domestic Abuse Risk

People with disabilities can face increased risk of domestic abuse for several reasons. Disabilities may be physical, sensory, learning or mental health related. Abuse can come from partners, family members or carers.

Abusers may exploit a person’s need for support with daily living. This can lead to control over basic needs such as food, mobility and communication. If an individual depends on the abuser to manage medication, appointments or finances, it can be harder to escape the abuse.

Isolation is common among people with disabilities. This can make it difficult to access help or speak with others who might notice the abuse. Communication barriers can prevent victims from explaining what is happening.

Some people with disabilities may have limited awareness of what constitutes abuse. This can make it easier for an abuser to hide their actions. If the victim fears being moved into institutional care or losing their home, they may feel forced to remain with the abuser.

Specific disability-related risks include:

• Physical dependence on the abuser for mobility or care
• Threats to withdraw care or equipment
• Difficulty accessing safe housing that is adapted for their needs
• Limited access to communication channels
• Social isolation and lack of outside contact
• Assumptions by others that the victim is exaggerating or misunderstanding events

Domestic abuse can have serious effects on physical health, emotional wellbeing and independence. People with disabilities may need tailored support services to break free from unsafe situations and rebuild their lives.

Sexual Orientation and Domestic Abuse Risk

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another non-heterosexual orientation can be at heightened risk of domestic abuse. This abuse can be from a same-sex partner or opposite-sex partner. It can also be from family members who reject their sexual orientation.

One unique form of control in these relationships is the threat of “outing” the victim. This means telling others about their sexual orientation without consent. For someone not openly out, this can cause immense fear and shame. It can lead to blackmail, coercion and compliance to avoid exposure.

Bias and prejudice from society can cause victims to fear seeking help. They might worry that police or services will not take them seriously. This is especially true if they have faced discrimination before. Limited specialised services for LGBT victims can make support harder to find.

Relationships may be hidden from friends or family. This secrecy gives abusers more opportunity to act without being discovered. Some victims may believe they cannot report abuse because it will reinforce negative stereotypes about their community.

Risk factors linked to sexual orientation include:

• Threats of outing as a method of control
• Fear of discrimination from services and authorities
• Isolation from supportive friends and family
• Internalised shame linked to sexuality
• Lack of specialist domestic abuse support services for LGBT victims
• Community pressure to keep relationship problems private

Domestic abuse can impact confidence, mental health and feelings of safety. Victims may find recovery harder if they face both abuse and prejudice at the same time.

Ethnicity and Domestic Abuse Risk

Ethnic background can play a part in an individual’s risk of domestic abuse. This can involve factors such as language barriers, immigration status, community expectations and racism.

Some victims may live in communities with strong cultural expectations about marriage or family roles. These expectations can discourage divorce or leaving an abusive partner. Pressure from family elders or religious groups can make leaving feel impossible.

Language barriers can prevent victims from accessing information about domestic abuse services. They may struggle to explain their situation to police or social workers. This can lead to delays in help or misunderstandings during investigations.

Immigration status can be used as a tool of control. Abusers may threaten deportation or refuse to help a partner with visa applications. Fear of losing legal residency can keep victims trapped.

Racism can play a part both within and outside communities. Victims from ethnic minority backgrounds may fear that reporting abuse will expose them to prejudice. They may believe services will treat them unfairly.

Risk factors linked to ethnicity include:

• Cultural norms that discourage leaving abusive relationships
• Expectations to keep family matters private
• Language barriers within services and law enforcement
• Immigration status used as a method of control
• Racism and prejudice affecting access to help
• Fear of losing community support if abuse is disclosed

People from ethnic minority backgrounds facing domestic abuse may need specialist support that respects their culture, language and legal situation while prioritising their safety.

Interaction of Risk Factors

Many individuals face overlapping risk factors. For example, a woman with a disability from an ethnic minority background may be at very high risk. Abuse may exploit gender bias, dependence due to disability and cultural pressure within the community. Multiple risks increase the difficulty of leaving and finding safe support.

Services should be aware that these factors can work together. Focusing on only one risk can miss important details. A person’s experiences are shaped by personal circumstances, social attitudes and legal protections available to them.

Responding to High-Risk Groups

Workers in health and social care must be able to notice signs of domestic abuse in people from all backgrounds. Awareness of these risk factors allows quicker and more sensitive intervention.

Key steps include:

• Listening without judgement
• Providing information in accessible formats
• Offering support in the victim’s preferred language
• Respecting their cultural identity while prioritising safety
• Connecting them to specialist services where possible
• Recognising that barriers to help are real and damaging

Training and policy should cover all these factors. Organisations must prepare staff to act with respect, cultural awareness and clear safeguarding procedures.

Final Thoughts

Domestic abuse affects people of every gender, disability status, sexual orientation and ethnicity. The likelihood and nature of abuse can be shaped by these factors. Social attitudes, discrimination and dependency can all increase risk.

By recognising how gender, disability, sexual orientation and ethnicity intersect with abuse, health and social care workers can respond more effectively. Sensitive and informed practice can save lives, restore independence and strengthen trust between services and communities.

Support must be tailored to the individual’s situation. This involves removing barriers, offering practical help and respecting personal identity. With awareness and commitment, we can reduce the risk of domestic abuse for those most in need.