Content Warning: These articles include descriptions of sexual assault.
This brilliant NPR investigation shines a light on people with disabilities and how sexual assault affects them. Most importantly, it debunks myths about how sexual assaults affects people with disabilities and raises awareness within the general public.
NPR Investigation Finds Hidden Epidemic Of Sexual Assault
People with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted at seven times the rate of people without disabilities. It's a crime that often goes unrecognized and unpunished. This is the start of an investigation about how rape culture and intellectual disabilities are related.
For Some With Intellectual Disabilities, Ending Abuse Starts With Sex Ed
Content Warning: This article includes graphic and disturbing descriptions of sexual assault.
The high rates of sexual assault among people with intellectual disabilities can make romantic relationships difficult. One class aims to teach them about healthy relationships and sexuality.
How Prosecutors Changed The Odds To Start Winning Some Of The Toughest Rape Cases
Content Warning: This article includes graphic and disturbing descriptions of sexual assault.
A rape case 25 years ago revolutionized justice for people with intellectual disabilities. They were "unwinnable" rape cases, until prosecutors figured out the secret.
From The Frontlines Of A Sexual Assault Epidemic: 2 Therapists Share Stories
Content Warning: This article includes descriptions of sexual assault.
Two psychologists both have a rare specialty: counseling sexual assault survivors who have intellectual disabilities. The stories of sexual violence in their clients' lives have striking similarities.
In Their Own Words: People With Intellectual Disabilities Talk About Rape
Content Warning: This article includes descriptions of sexual assault.
Somebody with an intellectual disability by definition has difficulty learning, reasoning or problem-solving. But many often think deeply about the things that affect them — and the things that isolate them.
States Aim To Halt Sexual Abuse Of People With Intellectual Disabilities
Earlier this year, NPR reported that people with intellectual disabilities are victims of some of the highest rates of sexual assault. Now states, communities and advocates, citing NPR's reporting, are making reforms aimed at improving those statistics.
"She Can't Tell Us What's Wrong"
Content Warning: This article includes graphic and disturbing descriptions of sexual assault.
The survivor couldn't tell anyone what happened that night. She was a woman with an intellectual disability who doesn't speak words. So the alleged crime was discovered, according to the police report, only by accident.
The Sexual Assault Epidemic No One Talks About
Content Warning: This article includes graphic and disturbing descriptions of sexual assault.
"If this were any other population, the world would be up in arms," says Nancy Thaler, a deputy secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services who runs the state's developmental disability programs. "We would be irate and it would be the No. 1 health crisis in this country."