A tool for assessing sexual knowledge of people with Intellectual disabilities in Norway.

Background: Previous research has shown that people with intellectual disabilities have limited sexual knowledge, which can be essential for developing positive sexuality. This study aimed to check the validity and reliability of an assessment tool (SexKunn) for measuring the sexual knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities in Norway. Further, we aimed to identify potential knowledge gaps among the participants and highlight their potential impact. Methods: 37 people with intellectual disabilities completed one assessment. 20 participants then completed a retest. Clinicians' (n=23) views on the assessment tool were measured to obtain face validity. Positive and negative agreement analysis was used to identify potential dimensions in the data. Results: A weighted Cohen's kappa for the test and retest of the overall scores was considered to be substantial. The clinicians described an acceptable face validity regarding high positive value scores and low negative burden scores. They also suggested improvements. The study identified that the participants lacked knowledge about female genitals, hygiene, appropriate touching/sexual acts with friends/intimate partners, and contraception. Conclusions: The SexKunn is a feasible assessment tool to measure sexual knowledge in people with intellectual disabilities. A lack of sexual knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities may violate their sexual rights.

People with intellectual disabilities and harmful sexual behaviour: Professionals' views on the barriers to prevent harm.

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities can be exposed to sexual abuse and they can display harmful sexual behaviour. This study aimed to identify barriers to preventing harmful sexual behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities within the support sector and the justice system. METHOD: We conducted focus group interviews with 20 participants from hospital-based habilitation centres, community residences, schools and the criminal justice system. RESULTS: The interviews identified a lack of education and guidelines for stakeholders or carers on regulating the sexual behaviour of people with intellectual disabilities. The criminal justice system faces challenges related to prioritising, understanding and communicating. People with intellectual disabilities may lack an understanding of the concepts of sexual consent and acceptable sexual behaviour. CONCLUSION: There is a need to improve knowledge about intellectual disability and how to prevent harmful sexual behaviour for professional caregivers in the support sector and the criminal justice system.

Personal and sexual boundaries: the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Previous research shows that people with intellectual disabilities have less knowledge about sexual health and are more vulnerable to victimisation. In cases of sexual abuse, they are likely to encounter the criminal justice system as vulnerable witnesses. Several challenges arise when people with intellectual disabilities are in communication with the criminal justice system. We aimed to explore the perceptions, experiences and knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities regarding personal and sexual boundaries in order to identify factors relevant for preventing sexual abuse, to develop future studies. METHOD: The study had a qualitative design. Data were collected from seven people with mild intellectual disabilities (25-40 years; 2 men, five women) through one-to-one interviews in specialised health care services for people with intellectual disabilities (SHCS). The participants lived alone, in group homes and with their families. Many received professional support services. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The interviews identified that the participants want to be in romantic relationships and that some, consider sex to be unimportant. Many of them have had trouble finding someone to have a romantic relationship with. The participants were unsure about sexual consent related to sexual activity, though many could explain the concept of consent in other contexts. Many participants reported that they had experienced sexual abuse, including online sexual abuse. Those participants who had reported the sexual abuse had positive experiences obtaining assistance from the criminal justice system. The participants who had experienced sexual abuse reported trauma and fear related to their experiences. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for information about sexually abusive relationships, risks online and ways to get help. More attention should be given to the impact of trauma, police and mental health treatment following sexual abuse against people with intellectual disabilities.