Get the Facts About Sexual Violence Against People With Disabilities

Understanding this issue can help us protect at-risk individuals, support survivors, and work toward justice and prevention. 

Understanding the Risk

Sexual violence includes any non-consensual sexual activity or contact, ranging from sexual harassment and coercion to assault and rape. For individuals with disabilities who might have physical, sensory, cognitive, or emotional limitations, the risk of experiencing sexual violence is substantially higher than for the general population.

The U.S. Department of Justice categorizes disabilities as sensory, cognitive, self-care, or mobility-related, emphasizing that each disability comes with unique vulnerabilities and support needs.

Who Perpetrates Sexual Violence Against People with Disabilities?

Perpetrators often exploit positions of power or authority to commit acts of sexual abuse or assault. Many abusers are known to the people they victimize and might include caregivers, healthcare providers, family members, or acquaintances. 

Perpetrators may manipulate the dependency relationship, restrict access to communication tools, or coerce the victim to “go along” with the abuse. These behaviors can obscure the warning signs of sexual violence and make it even more difficult for a survivor to seek help.

Facts & Statistics: Sexual Violence & Disability

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, from 2017-2019:

• Persons with disabilities were victims of 26% of all nonfatal violent crime while accounting for about 12% of the population. 

• The rate of violent victimization against persons with disabilities (46.2 per 1,000 age 12 or older) was almost four times the rate for persons without disabilities (12.3 per 1,000). ƒ 

• Persons with cognitive disabilities had the highest rate of violent victimization (83.3 per 1,000) among the disability types measured. ƒ 

• Nineteen percent of rapes or sexual assaults against persons with disabilities were reported to police, compared to 36% of those against persons without disabilities.

Barriers To Reporting & Support

Survivors with disabilities often face significant hurdles when reporting sexual violence. These barriers include:

• Communication challenges. Deaf or Deaf-Blind individuals may struggle to access communication tools necessary for reporting.
• Dependency on caregivers. Survivors might fear losing essential care or support if they report their abuser.
• Misconceptions and disbelief. Authorities or service providers sometimes underestimate or dismiss reports made by individuals with disabilities.
• Lack of education. Many individuals with disabilities receive inadequate education about relationships and consent, limiting their ability to recognize abuse.

More Resources

• DAWN: Deaf Abused Women’s Network
• National Disability Rights Network

Taking Action To Combat Sexual Violence

Prevention and support begin with education and awareness. Here’s how you can take action:

• Educate. Learn about consent and the specific risk factors faced by people with disabilities.
• Advocate. Support policy changes that enhance protections and resources for survivors with disabilities.
• Report. If you suspect abuse, contact your local authorities or social services. You might be a mandatory reporter under state law—check RAINN’s State Law Database.
• Engage. Have open conversations with prospective caregivers about safety, respect, and standards of care to ensure the well-being of individuals with disabilities.

At RAINN, we believe that everyone deserves safety and dignity. By understanding sexual violence against people with disabilities, we can better protect, support, and advocate for every survivor.