April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at great risk of sexual violence. We must all work to stop sexual assault. To do this, we must learn about it. James Meadours will share advice and tips from a survivor all month long. Here’s a sneak peek.

Watch the full video here!

A Silent Epidemic

People with IDD are more likely to be sexually assaulted than others. Here are some facts:

• People with IDD are seven times more likely to be sexually assaulted than others.
• Eight out of ten of women with IDD have been sexually assaulted.
• Most sexual assaults of people with IDD are not reported. This includes up to 85% of sexual assaults in group living.

Myths About Sexual Assault and People with IDD

People hold many wrong ideas about people with IDD and sexual assault. These myths make it harder for people to get the education and support they need.

• Myth: People with IDD are not interested in relationships or sex. The truth is, people with IDD want to date, have partners, and build loving relationships—just like anyone else.
• Myth: People with IDD can’t consent because they don’t understand. Actually, people with IDD can learn about these things when they are taught in ways that make sense to them.
• Myth: People with IDD don’t know when they are being abused. This is dangerous. The truth is, many people do know something is wrong, but they may not have the words or the support to report it.

Because of these myths, many people with IDD never get the education they need to stay safe. We must teach, listen, and believe survivors so we can stop sexual assault.

Learning About Sexual Assault Helps Stop It

This month, we will share more blog posts to help people learn and stay safe. We’ll share how learning about bodies, relationships, and consent helps prevent abuse. We’ll talk about what to do if someone is hurt and how to get help. We’ll share how to support people who have been through sexual violence. We believe everyone deserves to be safe. Learning and talking about these issues is an important step.

Learn More

Want to learn more?

• Watch the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Playlist on our YouTube channel.
• Read what the research says about sexual assault. Check out our Gap Analysis Framework and other resources.

Sexual assault is a big problem in the IDD community. By learning together, we can stop the abuse!