Traits of vulnerability in repetitive sexual assaults of mentally disabled people

Abstract

The issue of sexual abuse, assault, rape and unwanted pregnancies among mentally disabled women is largely under-reported for many reasons. Several myths prevail including that mentally disabled women offer little interest to sexual predators, together with a negative public attitude and this contributes to the problem. We report the case of a single centre in Albania, where repetitive sexual assaults were perpetrated against three mentally disabled women. Three unwanted pregnancies followed. The issue gained public attention after three criminal abortions were performed secretly with the aim of covering up the story. Charges were raised against the director of the centre and an employee from the nursing staff. Proceedings are still ongoing. We discuss some details from the forensic investigation and consider several systemic weaknesses that have exposed this vulnerable target group to the risk of being severely and repetitively abused. We believe greater staff awareness, and a better medical and legal framework, are indispensable to deter further offences especially where facilities are under-resourced as here.

Measuring Sexual Victimization and Perpetration in Today’s Society: Modifications to the Sexual Experiences Survey

“…If researchers focus on older adults or people with a disability, the item asking about unwanted touching during care should be included. Research has namely shown that sexual victimization is prevalent within this population (Basile et al, 2016;Nobels et al, 2018;Shaqiri et al, 2018). Yet risks factors and prevalence rates of sexual neglect among older adults remain unknown (Nobels et al, 2020).…”

“…Other aspects of sexual neglect include not treating people as sexual beings (item 5) and disrespect of sexual intimacy (e.g., touching during care; item 7). This is particularly relevant for older adults who are often considered as people without any sexual needs (Kessel, 2001;Nobels et al, 2020; but also among people who need care due to a disability (Basile et al, 2016;Shaqiri et al, 2018). Additionally, not explaining the sexual side-effects of a treatment (item 6) can be considered as a form of denying one's sexual needs.…”