Title: Sexual Abuse of People with Disabilities | RAINN
Headings: Sexual Abuse of People with Disabilities
Sexual Abuse of People with Disabilities
Understanding the crime
The role of consent
Getting help
What are the warning signs for child sexual abuse?
Every 68 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted.
95¢ of every $1 goes to helping survivors and preventing sexual violence.

Content: People with disabilities may be less likely to be taken seriously when they make a report of sexual assault or abuse. They may also face challenges in accessing services to make a report in the first place. For example, someone who is Deaf for Deaf-Blind may face challenges accessing communication tools, like a phone, to report the crime or get help. Many people with disabilities may not understand or lack information about healthy sexuality and the types of touching that are appropriate or inappropriate. This can be especially challenging if a person’s disability requires other people to touch them to provide care. The role of consent
Consent is crucial when any person engages in sexual activity, but it plays an even bigger, and potentially more complicated role when someone has a disability. Some disabilities may make it difficult to communicate consent to participate in sexual activity, and perpetrators may take advantage of this. People with disabilities may also not be given the same education about sexuality and consent that people without disabilities receive. In addition, someone who has a developmental or intellectual disability may not have the ability to consent to sexual activity, as defined by the state laws. In many instances, the person who has a disability may rely on the perpetrator for care or support, making it even more difficult to come forward.