ĐORĐEVIĆ v. CROATIA JUDGMENT 21 There are indications that the rate of abuse and violence committed against persons with disabilities is considerably higher than the rate for the general population, and higher in women with disabilities, particularly women with severe disabilities, where the percentages of abuse far exceed those of non-disabled women. Such abuse can occur in institutions or other types of care and situations, including the family environment. It can be inflicted by strangers or persons known to the individual and can take many forms, for instance verbal abuse, violent actions, or the refusal to meet basic needs. While governments cannot guarantee that abuse will not happen they must do their utmost to establish protection and the strongest possible safeguards. Prevention can be assisted in many ways, particularly through education to appreciate the rights of individuals to protection and to recognise and reduce the risk of abuse. Persons with disabilities who experience abuse or violence should have access to appropriate supports. They must have a system in which they can have sufficient confidence to report abuse and expect follow-up action, including individual support. Such systems require personnel who are skilled and qualified to detect and respond to situations of abuse. While there has been some research undertaken in recent years, it is clear that further knowledge is required to inform future strategies and best practice. 3.13.2. Objectives i. to work within anti-discriminatory and human rights frameworks towards safeguarding people with disabilities against all forms of violence and abuse; ii. to ensure access for people with disabilities to services and support systems for victims of violence and abuse. 3.13.3. Specific actions by member States i. to establish safeguards to protect people with disabilities from violence and abuse through the effective implementation of policies and legislation, where necessary; ii. to promote the availability of and access to training courses for people with disabilities to reduce the risk of violence and abuse, for example courses in selfconfidence and empowerment; iii. to develop processes, measures and protocols adapted to people with disabilities, to improve detection of violence and abuse, and to ensure that the necessary action is taken against perpetrators, including redress and adequate professional counselling in case of emotional problems; iv. to ensure that disabled victims of violence and abuse, including domestic, have access to the relevant support services, including redress; v. to prevent and combat violence, ill-treatment and abuse in all situations by supporting families, raising public awareness and education, promoting discussion and co-operation among relevant parties;