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People with disabilities face a disproportionately high risk of violence, neglect, and abuse, despite international human rights frameworks such as the UNCRPD. Institutional settings are characterised by segregation, control, and depersonalisation, often lacking transparency and adequate safeguards. Violence in these environments may be unseen, underreported, or normalised.

Institutional culture is not defined by building size alone: it exists wherever people with disabilities lack autonomy, choice, and community participation. Where organisational routines override individual preferences, dignity and self-determination are compromised.

Community-based services operate differently. They promote choice, inclusion, and participation in society. They recognise individuals as rights-holders, not recipients of care.

As disability service systems evolve towards community‑based support, there is an urgent need to strengthen monitoring and raise awareness to equip support services, policymakers, and civil society with tools to prevent and respond to violence in all forms.

Objectives of the webinar:

• Present new findings, evidence, and recommendations on violence experienced by people with disabilities in institutional settings.
• Create dialogue among disability organisations, service providers, policymakers, researchers, self‑advocates, and human rights actors.
• Promote actionable pathways towards preventing violence, improving support quality, and transitioning to inclusive, rights‑based community services.

Agenda

Moderator: Alessia Sebillo, Head of Knowledge and Innovation, EASPD