Sexual violence – the facts
Anyone can experience rape or sexual abuse at any point in their lives.
Sexual violence is any kind of sexual activity or act (including online) that is unwanted. It includes but is not limited to one or more of the following:
• pressure
• manipulation
• bullying
• intimidation
• threats
• deception
• force.
Research suggests that people with a learning disability are at much greater risk of sexual abuse and assault than the general population. Studies show that the incidence of abuse among people with disabilities is as much as four times higher than it is among the non-disabled population.” (Mencap, Behind Closed Doors report (2001)
Recent studies also show that autistic people may be up to three times as likely as their neurotypical counterparts to experience bullying, and physical or sexual abuse. (Enhance the UK, Neurodiversity and Abuse, December 2022).
Many autistic people and people with learning disabilities face additional barriers to seeking support and/or reporting incidents of sexual violence. These can include but are not limited to:
- feeling ashamed and believing they have done something wrong
- feeling worried that they will get into trouble
- not knowing who to tell or what support is available
- difficulty communicating what has happened
- limited understanding of sex education and understanding what has happened was wrong
- limited understanding of consent and the right to say no
- fear of the police or reporting to police and not being believed as a credible or reliable witness (sadly this fear is often grounded in reality).
Useful resources
More information
The latest from our news and blogs
Joint advice on getting help after rape and sexual assault and the use of self-swab kits
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, there is support available from organisations in Bristol and throughout Avon and Somerset.
Online Safety Act 2023: what might happen in practice? (Part 3)
In the third and final of our series of blogs looking at the Act, SARSAS comms volunteer, Toby, gives an overview of the act, how it has been implemented so far and what might come next.
Frank’s Inspiring Art Auction for SARSAS
At SARAS, we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who go above and beyond to help us listen, believe, and support victim-survivors of sexual violence. One such person is the wonderful Frank, whose recent fundraising initiative not only surpassed expectations but also showcased the power of creativity and community spirit.
