Sexualised violence against girls and boys with intellectual disabilities: Self determination as a central component of preventive action

Despite increasing discussion and scientific knowledge that sexuality is a basic human need and an important part of personality development, sexuality remains a taboo subject for people with intellectual disabilities. The problem lies in the continuing social prejudices that expose those affected to many risk factors and make them more likely to become victims of sexualised violence. Added to this is the fact that their everyday lives are often characterised by a relationship of dependency and power. This makes it impossible for them to lead a self-determined life and have a self-determined sexuality. In order to prevent sexualised violence as effectively as possible, all those involved, especially those responsible for disability support, families and relatives, must be committed to involving people with intellectual disabilities in all decision-making processes. After all, living a self-determined life means not only being able to protect oneself from sexualised violence, but also participating as fully as possible in society.