Domestic abuse shelters unable to shelter disabled abuse victims may be a nationwide problem, but it’s not a local one.

"To get state and federal funding every fiscal year, Pennsylvania shelters have to demonstrate how they will provide services to people with disabilities," said Barbara Nissley, technical assistant with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Though the latest research shows that people with disabilities have a greater potential to be abused, the domestic abuse shelters in Mercer and Lawrence counties are prepared to meet those needs, officials say.

"We have a great setup here for handicap accessibility," said Candace Blake, direct service supervisor for Alternatives for Women Advocacy, Resource and Education, the Mercer County shelter.