185 - The Hidden Crisis: Sexual Violence Against People with Disabilities

Alarming Statistics

People with disabilities face a devastating and largely invisible epidemic of sexual violence. The statistics are alarming: individuals with disabilities experience sexual assault at rates seven times higher than those without disabilities, with women with disabilities facing double the risk compared to non-disabled women. For those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the crisis is even more severe—83% of women and 32% of men in this community experience sexual assault in their lifetime, statistics that have remained unchanged for four decades.

If you're being assaulted or abuse, call or text 988, the crisis hotline, for help.

Vulnerability by Disability Type

This vulnerability varies across disability types. People with intellectual disabilities face the highest risk (68-83% lifetime victimization for women). Those with physical disabilities experience approximately double the risk compared to non-disabled people, while individuals with sensory impairments encounter unique barriers to prevention and reporting. When disabilities intersect, the risk can increase tenfold.

Environmental Risk Factors

Environmental factors significantly impact vulnerability. About 40% of sexual abuse against people with disabilities occurs in institutional settings. An overwhelming 80-90% of perpetrators are known to the victim, with approximately one-third being direct care providers. Those in congregate living arrangements face 4-10 times higher risk than those living independently or with family.

Justice System Failures

The justice system fails these survivors at every level. Only 3-19% of sexual abuse cases involving people with disabilities are reported to authorities (compared to 30% in the general population). Even when reported, these cases receive less thorough investigation—only 5-13% result in charges. Cases that do proceed face significant obstacles, with conviction rates 50-60% lower than cases involving non-disabled victims.

Contributing Factors

Multiple factors contribute to this crisis: power imbalances with caregivers, physical vulnerability, communication barriers, social isolation, lack of sexual education, institutional settings that increase risk, and persistent stigma and disbelief when reports are made. Economic insecurity affects 26% of people with disabilities, doubling their vulnerability to exploitation. Transportation dependence creates situations of isolation, while communication barriers make reporting extremely difficult. Only about 20% of domestic violence shelters are fully accessible.

Call to Action

Behind these statistics are real people experiencing trauma at the intersection of ableism and sexual violence. This crisis demands urgent attention through comprehensive education, accessible services, specialized training for service providers, and policy reforms that center the experiences and leadership of people with disabilities. Only by acknowledging this reality can we begin to create communities where everyone's bodily autonomy is respected and protected.

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