Background
Sexual abuse and abusive relationships
are known to be especially common
in people with intellectual disability.
This study explored how women with
intellectual disability understand sex,
relationships and sexual abuse, the
effects of sexual abuse on their lives, and
how successfully they protect themselves
from abuse.
Discussion
Most participants reported unwanted
or abusive sexual experiences. They
described sequelae such as difficulties
with sex and relationships, and anxiety
and depression. They described
themselves as having inadequate self
protection skills and difficulty reporting
abuse and obtaining appropriate support.
Their understanding of sex was limited
and they lacked the literacy and other
skills to seek information independently. It
is important for general practitioners to be
aware of the possibility of sexual abuse
against women with intellectual disability,
and to offer appropriate interventions.
Results
Major themes that emerged were: sexual
knowledge and sources of knowledge;
negotiating sexual relationships; declining
unwanted sexual contact; self protection
strategies; sexual abuse experiences; and
sequelae of sexual abuse.
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