Sexually Silenced No More, Adults with Learning Disabilities Speak Up: A Call to Action for Social Work to Frame Sexual Voice as a Social Justice Issue

Abstract

This qualitative study provides insight into the personal experiences and perceptions of adults with learning difficulties regarding their social-sexual lives. Case studies of five adults with learning difficulties based on two in-depth interviews and a home observation revealed five key elements needed to have a sexual voice: sexual self-advocacy, sexuality education, sexual script, sexual vocabulary and sexual-relational support. Social workers are encouraged to see sexual voice for adults with intellectual disabilities as a social justice issue. Challenging structural systems that contribute to marginalisation is fundamental to the efforts of social workers to advance human rights and social justice. Social work educators can increase student competency around advocacy related to disability and sexuality as well as assisting clinicians to improve their practice skills in these areas.