People with intellectual disabilities and harmful sexual behaviour: Professionals' views on the barriers to prevent harm

• Published in: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 176 - 185
• Main Authors: Svae, Gøril Brevik, Hassel, Bjørnar, Søndenaa, Erik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2023; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Access to Education; Antisocial Behavior; Barriers; barriers to prevention; Caregivers; Congruence (Psychology); Correctional Rehabilitation; criminal justice system; Focus Groups; Harm reduction; harmful sexual behaviour; Humans; Intellectual disabilities; Intellectual Disability; Original; Prevention; Sex crimes; Sex Offenses - prevention & control; Sexual Behavior; Sexual harassment; Sexuality; support services; criminal justice system; harmful sexual behaviour; barriers to prevention; intellectual disability; support services
• ISSN: 1360-2322; 1468-3148
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.13048

Background People with intellectual disabilities can be exposed to sexual abuse and they can display harmful sexual behaviour. This study aimed to identify barriers to preventing harmful sexual behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities within the support sector and the justice system. Method We conducted focus group interviews with 20 participants from hospital‐based habilitation centres, community residences, schools and the criminal justice system. Results The interviews identified a lack of education and guidelines for stakeholders or carers on regulating the sexual behaviour of people with intellectual disabilities. The criminal justice system faces challenges related to prioritising, understanding and communicating. People with intellectual disabilities may lack an understanding of the concepts of sexual consent and acceptable sexual behaviour. Conclusion There is a need to improve knowledge about intellectual disability and how to prevent harmful sexual behaviour for professional caregivers in the support sector and the criminal justice system.