Service providers' self-perceived competence in supporting women with disabilities subjected to intimate partner violence: insights from a Swedish survey.

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global issue, with women, especially those with disabilities, facing a higher lifetime risk than those without disabilities. Given the elevated risk factors and challenges related to having a disability, it is crucial to provide effective IPV support. The competence and expertise of service providers regarding IPV significantly influence their ability to provide adequate IPV support. Understanding service providers' self-perceived competence is essential for improving the quality of IPV support for women with disabilities.

Objective: This study assesses the self-perceived competence of service providers in supporting women with disabilities subjected to IPV in Sweden.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to professionals in healthcare, social services, and the police, and 1,151 people participated. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were performed to assess the factors influencing service providers' self-perceived competence.

Results: The findings indicate that healthcare, police, and social services professionals often encounter women with disabilities, but they rarely ask them directly about IPV. Many don't routinely inquire about IPV exposure. While institutional routines for addressing IPV exist, service providers don't consistently implement or use them. Key factors influencing self-perceived competence include receiving IPV and disability-specific training and sufficient employer support for addressing IPV among women with disabilities.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for a more consistent application of routines and enhanced training to strengthen the capacity of service providers to support women with disabilities subjected to IPV.