Abstract
BACKGROUND: Persons with disabilities (PWD) face a higher risk of abuse compared to individuals without disabilities and encounter numerous barriers to seeking help. This scoping review examines the evidence on help-seeking behaviours of abused PWD, highlighting the various forms, sources, and factors that influence these behaviours. METHODS: The review utilised a scoping methodology following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. A database search was conducted in September 2025 across PubMed, ProQuest, AJOL, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science, using terms based on participants, context, and concept (PCC) framework. It focused on individuals with disabilities of all ages and gender excluding mental illness. A rigorous screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts was conducted, along with detailed data extraction on article characteristics, help-seeking types, support sources, and barriers. Two independent reviewers handled the process, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Data were presented using descriptive methods and narrative summaries. RESULTS: The review included 25 eligible studies. Evidence revealed significant barriers to help-seeking. The analysis indicates that fear, stigma, and distrust hinder assistance, with women more likely to seek help than men. Help-seeking typically begins informally and may progress to formal support for severe cases. Key contexts for seeking help include healthcare, social services, and educational institutions. Trusting relationships with professionals improve help-seeking, while stigma and systemic barriers restrict access to support by PWD. Additionally, cultural norms often perpetuate silence around abuse, limiting individuals’ chances to seek and receive help. CONCLUSIONS: The review highlights that PWDs face increased risks of abuse and significant barriers to accessing support. Demographics and disabilities influence their choices and sequence for informal and formal help-seeking services. Effective strategies include inter-agency collaboration, caregiver engagement, and trauma-informed, disability-sensitive approaches within mainstream services. However, there is a lack of robust studies in low- and middle-resource settings. There is the need for inclusive policies prioritizing accessibility and ongoing support for survivors with disabilities. Inter-sectoral commitment, collaboration and the involvement of PWD in shaping responses is of relevance. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-026-27076-y.