Domestic abuse can affect anyone, but for neurodivergent individuals, the risks are often greater, and the barriers to seeking support can be even higher.
People with conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and Tourette’s syndrome may face unique challenges in recognising and escaping abusive relationships. Understanding these challenges is crucial to ensuring that appropriate support is available.
Why are neurodivergent people more vulnerable to domestic abuse?
Studies have shown that people with learning disabilities and autism are more likely to experience domestic abuse than neurotypical individuals. Yet, they are also less likely to report it or seek help. Several factors contribute to this increased vulnerability:
- Difficulties recognising abuse – Abuse is not always physical; it can be emotional, economical, psychological or coercive. Many neurodivergent individuals may struggle with understanding social norms or spotting manipulative behaviour, making them more susceptible to being controlled or mistreated by a partner or caregiver.
- Dependence on others – Some neurodivergent individuals rely on a partner, family member, or caregiver for daily tasks such as managing finances, transportation, or personal care. This reliance can make it harder to leave an abusive relationship, as they may fear losing essential support or not being able to cope alone.
- Communication barriers – Difficulties with verbal communication, processing information, or expressing emotions can make it harder for neurodivergent people to report abuse or explain their experiences to others. This can lead to misunderstandings, or their concerns being dismissed.
- Coercive control – Coercive control is a common form of abuse experienced by neurodivergent individuals. This can include threats, humiliation, intimidation, or financial control. For someone who struggles with social understanding, identifying this behaviour as abusive can be particularly challenging.
- Gaslighting and manipulation – Neurodivergent individuals may be more susceptible to gaslighting, where an abuser manipulates them into doubting their own perceptions and memories. This can make it even harder to realise they are in an abusive situation and seek help.
Barriers to seeking support
Despite facing increased risks, neurodivergent individuals often encounter significant obstacles when trying to escape abuse or access support services:
- Fear of not being believed – Many worry that they will not be taken seriously or that their concerns will be dismissed due to their neurodivergence.
- Overwhelm and sensory challenges – The stress of reporting abuse, navigating legal systems, or staying in a refuge can be overwhelming, especially for those with sensory sensitivities or executive function difficulties.
- Dependence on the abuser – If the abuser provides crucial care or support, the fear of losing this assistance can prevent people from leaving.
How to support neurodivergent survivors
To help neurodivergent individuals experiencing domestic abuse, Somerset Domestic Abuse Service provides accessible, tailored support:
- Clear and accessible information – Information about abuse and support from the service is available using clear language on our Neurodiverse people and domestic abuse page
- Alternative communication methods – The service offers multiple ways to report abuse, including email, or online chat options, rather than relying solely on phone calls or in-person visits.
- Empowerment and independence – The service focuses on building confidence, teaching life skills, and offering financial or housing support to help individuals become more independent from their abuser.
Conclusion
No one should feel trapped in an abusive relationship. For neurodivergent individuals, raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and providing tailored support are essential steps in ensuring they can seek help and live safely.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, reach out to Somerset Domestic abuse Service, an organisation that understand neurodiversity and can provide the right support. Help is available, and you are not alone:
- Call: 0800 69 49 999 (8am–8pm, 7 days a week including bank holidays)
- Email: domesticabuseservice@somerset.gov.uk
- In an emergency dial 999. If speaking puts you at risk, stay silent, tap the phone, and press 55 when prompted.
- For those who are D/deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, register with emergencySMS.net to text 999 in an emergency. If you use British sign language (BSL) you can go to 999 BSL for a BSL interpreter.
Sources:
- You don’t own me – Neurodiversity and Intimate Partner Violence
- Someset Domestic Abuse – Neurodiverse people and domestic abuse
- Enhance the UK – Neurodiversity and Abuse
- Respect – Responding to neurodiversity: how we can make perpetrator programmes more responsive
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority – Neurodiversity and violence (PDF)
- 3SC – The link between neurodiversity and domestic abuse
- GOV.UK – Domestic abuse – How to get help
- University of Sunderland – New report finds widespread abuse of autistic people
- Mind – Guide to support options for abuse
- The Women’s Centre Cornwall – DIVAS
