A disabled woman has recounted a distressing incident of abuse she suffered at London Euston station, bringing to light the pervasive issues of misogyny and ableism faced by disabled individuals.
The woman, who was in a wheelchair, had just arrived at the station in May for a weekend celebrating a friend’s birthday when the incident occurred.
While being assisted to the taxi rank by a station staff member, the woman noticed a group of men nearby. One of the men approached her and invaded her personal space, pointing at her and making a derogatory comment: “Oi lads, would you f**k that?” The group erupted in laughter as they moved on, leaving the woman feeling objectified, threatened, and dehumanized.
The staff member assisting her suggested she “just ignore them,” a comment the woman describes as all-too-common but inadequate. She felt that such remarks reduce her to an object rather than recognizing her humanity, with the word “that” lingering in her mind and making her feel like she was seen as less than human.
The woman’s day had started on a positive note. She felt beautiful and confident, wearing a golden tan and a Louis Vuitton bag with designer sunglasses.
However, her mood shifted upon overhearing staff at Preston station discussing a football event, which heightened her awareness of the potential for abuse from intoxicated sports fans.
After the incident, the woman had to maintain a brave facade for her friend’s 50th birthday party, choosing not to burden her friends with the trauma she had experienced.
Despite knowing her friends would be supportive, she wanted to shield them from the negativity and not let the men’s actions ruin her day.
The experience has had a lasting impact on her, prompting her to share the story with her therapist, close friends, and family. She desired consequences for the men’s behaviour and for ableism to be taken seriously.
Reflecting on her experiences, the woman identified a troubling pattern: ableist abuse from men is often sexualized, reducing her to her physical form and dehumanizing her. In contrast, ableism from women and children stems from curiosity or ignorance.
The woman wished she could have confronted the group but felt unsafe. She believes that if someone from the group had challenged their behaviour, it might have prevented the incident and protected others from similar experiences.
Through sharing her story, she hopes to raise awareness about the challenges faced by disabled individuals and advocate for greater understanding and action against ableism and misogyny. Her experience underscores the need for a broader societal change to address the discrimination and violence faced by disabled women.
