NCJ Number
109359
Date Published
1985
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Developmentally disabled persons should receive education about preventing and dealing with sexual abuse starting in the preschool years and continuing throughout their lifetimes.
Abstract
In addition, professionals who work with developmentally disabled persons should speak out when they suspect that a professional or another person involved with the client may be sexually abusing the client. Estimates about the extent of sexual abuse vary, but all agree that it ranges from four times that of the normal population to 99 percent of developmentally disabled adults. This abuse includes sexual harassment, foul language, exposure, taking and showing of pornographic materials, sexual touching, and rape. Victims almost always know the perpetrators, who include medical and educational professionals and aides as well as parents and other relatives. Prevention programs should rest on 10 principles: (1) inclusion in the regular curriculum, (2) emphasis on the integrity of the person's body, (3) use of proper terminology for body parts, (4) emphasis on the right to say yes or no, (5) teaching how to recognize and name feelings, (6) clear distinction between right and wrong requests, (7) creation of a support system by telling someone if abuse occurs, (8) recognition of the limits of trust for another person, (9) awareness that sexual activities are not bad in themselves, and (10) inclusion of self-defense training. Victims of any sexual assault, exploitation, or rape should receive counseling. Parents and residential care providers should be involved in the training so that they can informally reinforce at home the major concepts. Lists of curricula sources, organizations, and other resources.