A qualitative study of gender-based violence against women with disabilities in conflict-affected North West Cameroon

Women with disabilities face a higher risk of gender-based violence (GBV), yet their experiences remain poorly documented in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon. This study explored how women with disabilities in the Northwest Region experience GBV and the barriers they face in recognizing, reporting, and seeking justice for abuse. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study guided by an intersectionality framework to examine how gender, disability, and conflict conditions interact to shape experiences of violence. Eleven women and girls with different forms of disability were purposively recruited through Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services facilities. Data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Coding was conducted manually through an iterative process, and themes were developed through consensus among researchers. Four major themes emerged. First, participants’ understanding of sexual and domestic violence was shaped by social norms, with many recognizing only forced sexual intercourse as violence, while neglect and abuse within caregiving relationships were often normalized. Second, dependence on family members or caregivers, combined with social isolation and family pressure to protect reputation, limited survivors’ ability to disclose abuse. Third, fear of retaliation, shame, and community stigma discouraged reporting, as survivors often anticipated disbelief or ridicule. Finally, limited knowledge of reporting options and low confidence in police and judicial systems further prevented access to justice. Together, these factors created conditions in which abuse remained hidden and perpetrators faced few consequences. Women with disabilities in conflict-affected Northwest Cameroon face interconnected social and structural barriers that prevent recognition, reporting, and justice for GBV. Addressing these challenges requires disability-inclusive prevention programs, survivor-centered support services, accessible reporting pathways, and community efforts to challenge stigma and harmful social norms.