People with Intellectual Disabilities and Sexual Violence by Leigh Ann Davis, M.S.S.W., M.P.A.

What Is Sexual Violence? Sexual violence includes sexual assault and sexual abuse. Assault is a crime of violence, anger, power and control where sex is used as a weapon against the victim. It includes any unwanted sexual contact or attention achieved by force, threats, bribes, manipu- lation, pressure, tricks, or violence. It may be physical or non-physical and includes rape, attempted rape, incest and child molestation, and sexual harassment. It can also include fondling, exhibitionism, oral sex, exposure to sexual materials (pornography), What Is The Arc’s Position? and the use of inappropriate sexual remarks or language. Sexual abuse is similar to sexual assault, but is a pattern of sexually violent behavior People with intellectual and/ or develomental disabilities that can range from inappropriate touching to rape. The difference between the two is must be free from abuse, that sexual assault constitutes a single episode whereas sexual abuse is ongoing. neglect, or any kind of Sexual violence occurs in the home (sexual abuse of children, sexual assault by mistreatment. Read the entire Position Statement partners or relative), outside the home (in group homes or institutions), on the job, on at http://www.thearc.org/ transportation systems (while riding the bus or a taxi) and virtually anywhere. page.aspx?pid=2357

For more information: How Often Do Adults and Children Experience Prevent Child Abuse America Sexual Violence? at 1-800-555-3748 or visit www.preventchildabuse.org People with intellectual disabilities experience more violence in general when com- pared to those without disabilities. In 2008, The National Crime Victim Survey found The Arc Riverside’s CAN DO! that people with disabilities experience higher rates of violence than people without Project at www.disability- abuse.com disabilities (40 victimizations per 1,000 persons with disabilities compared to about 20 per 1,000 without disabilities), and that the rate of victimization is twice as high for people with disabilities. Another alarming finding was that people with cognitive dis- abilities (or intellectual disabilities) experienced the highest risk of violent victimization (Harrell & Rand, 2010). Studies consistently demonstrate that people with intellectual disabilities are sexu- The Arc ally victimized more often than others who do not have a disability (Furey, 1994). For 1825 K Street NW Suite 1200 example, one study reported that 25 percent of girls and women with intellectual Washington, D. C. 20006 disabilities who were referred for birth control had a history of sexual violence (Sobsey, Phone: 202.534.3700 1994). Other studies suggest that 49 percent of people with intellectual disabilities will Toll free: 800.433.5255 Fax: 202.534.3731 experience 10 or more sexually abusive incidents (Sobsey & Doe, 1991). www.thearc.org Any type of disability appears to contribute to higher risk of victimization but intel- lectual disabilities, communication not to question. In addition, they are Who Is Most Likely to Sex- disorders, and behavioral disorders ap- rarely educated about sexuality issues ually Assault Someone? pear to contribute to very high levels or provided assertiveness training. As is the case for people without of risk, and having multiple disabilities Even when a report is attempted, they disabilities who experience sexual (e.g., intellectual disabilities and be- face barriers when making statements violence, perpetrators are often those havior disorders) result in even higher to police because they may not be who are known by the victim, such risk levels (Sullivan & Knutson, 2000). viewed as credible due to having a dis- as family members, acquaintances, Children with intellectual disabili- ability (Keilty & Connelly, 2001). residential care staff, transportation ties are also at risk of being sexually providers and personal care atten- abused. A study of approximately What Risk Factors dants. Research suggests that 97 to 55,000 children in Nebraska found Contribute to the 99 percent of abusers are known and that children with intellectual disabili- Occurrence of Sexual trusted by the victim who has intellec- ties were 4.0 times as likely as children Violences? tual disabilities. While in 32 percent without disabilities to be sexually Some risk factors may include a feel- of cases, abusers consisted of family abused. (Sullivan & Knutson, 2000). ing of powerlessness, communication members or acquaintances, 44 per- Women are sexually assaulted more skill deficits and inability to protect cent had a relationship with the victim often when compared to men wheth- oneself due to lack of instruction and/ specifically related to the person’s er they have a disability or not, so men or resources. Individuals may live in disability (such as residential care staff, with disabilities are often overlooked. over-controlled and authoritarian envi- transportation providers and personal Researchers have found that men ronments, contributing to the feeling care attendants). Therefore, the deliv- with disabilities are twice as likely to of powerlessness over their situation. ery system created to meet specialized become a victim of sexual violence In addition, they are not given enough care needs of those with intellectual compared to men without disabilities experiential opportunities to learn disabilities contributes to the risk of (The Roeher Institute, 1995). how to develop and use their own sexual violence (Baladerian, 1991). intuition (those who are taught can Why Is Sexual Violence So often detect between safe versus un- What Are the Effects of Common Among People safe situations.) Other factors include Sexual Violence on So- with Intellectual Disabili- the caretaker’s failure to 1) request mone with Intellectual ties? information on the background of Disabilities? People with severe intellectual dis- all those involved in the person’s life, Sexual violence causes harmful abilities may not understand what is such as professionals, paraprofession- psychological, physical and behavioral happening or have a way to commu- als, ancillary and volunteer staff, 2) effects (see chart on front page). The nicate the assault to a trusted person. become familiar with the abuse-re- individual may become pregnant, Others with a less severe disability porting attitudes and practices of the acquire sexually transmitted diseases, may realize they are being assaulted, agency, and 3) assure there is a plan bruises, lacerations and other physical but don’t know that it’s illegal and in place for responding to reports of injuries. Psychosomatic symptoms that they have a right to say no. Due abuse when they occur. Also, of- often occur, such as stomachaches, to threats to their well-being or that fenders are typically not caught and/ headaches, seizures and problems of their loved ones by the abuser, or held accountable for these crimes, with sleeping. Common psychologi- they may never tell anyone about which allows abuse to continue. cal consequences include depression, the abuse, especially if committed by anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, an authority figure whom they learn shame and guilt, irrational fear, and

For more information on this and other topics, visit www.thearc.org loss of trust. Behavioral difficulties must change to view victims with What to Look For: include withdrawal, aggressiveness, disabilities as having equal value as Physical: bruises or pain in genital self-injurious and sexually inappropri- victims without disabilities, and giving areas, tearing of vaginal or anal area, ate behavior (Sobsey, 1994). them equal advocacy. Every sexual as- signs of physical abuse, headaches, sault, regardless of who the victim is, stomachaches, sexually transmitted What Types of Treatment must be taken seriously. diseases. or Therapy Is Available for Victims of Sexual Vio- What Should I Do If I Behavioral: depressions, substance lence? Suspect Sexual Abuse/As- abuse, withdrawl, avoids specific set- In the past the benefit of psychothera- sault of Someone I Know? tings/pepole, sleep or appetite chang- py for people with intellectual dis- All states have laws requiring es, crying spells, seizures, phobias, abilities was questioned, as well as the professionals, such as case manag- regression, guilt/shame feelings, self- impact of sexual violence (whether or ers, direct care workers, police officers destructive behavoir, feelings of panic, not it impacts people with intellectual and teachers to report abuse. Some sexually inappropriate behaviors, disabilities as strongly as others with- states require the general public to severe anxiety/worry, resists physical out disabilities). Today, however, it is report abuse as well. If you suspect a exam, learning difficulties, irritability, widely acknowledged that all people child is being sexually abused, contact change in habits/mood. y transmitted who experience sexual violence are your local child protective agency. diseases, tearing of vinal or anal affected and do require therapeutic If the person is an adult, contact References: counseling, even if they are non-ver- adult protective services. These are Balderian, N. (1991). Sexual abuse of people bal. Locating a qualified therapist may also referred to as “Social Services”, with developmental disabilities. Sexuality and Disability, 9(4), 323-335. be difficult since the person should “Human Services” or “Children and Furey, E. (1994). Sexual abuse of adults with be trained in child/adult sexual abuse Family Services” in the phone book. mental retardation: Who and where. Mental and sexual assault treatment as well as You do not need proof to file a report. Retardation, 32, 3, p. 173-180. Keilty, J & Connelly, G. (2001). Making a intellectual disabilities. The therapist If you believe the person is in imme- statement: An exploratory study of barriers fac- should also be trained in non-verbal diate danger, call the police. After a ing women with an intellectual disability when mind-body healing modalities that do report is made, depending on how making a statement about sexual assault to police. Disability & Society, 16 (2), 273-291. not require an intellectual processing serious the abuse is, the incident is Sobsey, D. (1994). Violence and abuse in component of the therapy. Pay- referred for investigation to the state the lives of people with disabilities: The end of ment for the therapy can be obtained social services agency (who handles silent acceptance? Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. through victim witness programs, civil investigations) or to the local law Sobsey, D. & Doe, T. (1991). Patterns of sexu- community mental health centers or enforcement agency (who handles al abuse and assault. Sexuality and Disability, 9 developmental disability centers. criminal investigations). For more (3), 243-259. Sullivan, P.M. & Knutson, J.F. (1994). The information on how you can help relationship between child abuse and neglect How Can Sexual Violence prevent sexual assault/abuse, contact and disabilities: Implications for research and Be Prevented? Prevent Child Abuse America at 1-800- practice. Omaha, NE: Boys Town National Research Hospital. The first step is recognizing the 555-3748 (200 S. Michigan Ave., 17th The Roeher Institute (1995). Harm’s way: magnitude of the problem and facing floor, Chicago, IL 60604) or visit their The many faces of violence and abuse against the reality that people with intellec- web site at www.preventchildabuse. persons with disabilities in Canada. tual disabilities are more likely to be org and The Arc Riverside’s CAN DO! The Arc would like to thank Nora Baladerian, assaulted sexually than those without Project at www.disability-abuse.com Ph.D., Shirley Paceley, and Dick Sobsey, R.N., disabilities. Also, societal attitudes Ed.D. for reviewing this document. Last rev. 3/2011

For more information on this and other topics, visit www.thearc.org