People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) deserve the knowledge and skills to help keep themselves safe. Learning about consent, boundaries, healthy relationships, and personal safety can help people recognize risks, communicate their needs, make informed choices, and advocate for themselves. This article explores why sexual safety education matters and shares practical ways to support self-advocacy, confidence, and safe relationships.
Why Sexual Safety Education Matters
People with I/DD do not simply want to be protected by others. They want the knowledge and skills to help protect themselves. As one self-advocate shared:
“I have the right to learn how to keep myself safe from someone hurting me sexually and to use what I learned to help keep me safe.”
This powerful statement reflects why sexuality education, consent education, and relationship safety skills matter. People with I/DD deserve opportunities to learn about healthy relationships, personal boundaries, communication, and informed decision-making.
Education about sexuality and safety is not about encouraging risky behavior. It is about empowering people with information, confidence, and practical skills.
Know Your Sexual Risks
Many people are taught to focus on danger from strangers. However, research consistently shows that most abuse is committed by someone the person already knows. This may include:
Family members
Neighbors
Romantic partners
Caregivers
Service providers
Medical professionals
People met online
Most people will not hurt others. But understanding that abuse can happen in familiar relationships is an important part of staying safe.
Learning to recognize unhealthy behavior, manipulation, coercion, pressure, or unsafe situations can help people make safer choices and seek support when needed.
Remember — Your Body, Your Choice
Every person has the right to bodily autonomy. This means people have the right to decide:
Who touches their body
How they are touched
When touch is okay
When to say no
Even when someone needs support with personal care, consent and communication still matter. For example:
Jordan needs help getting dressed in the morning. Jordan asks their caregiver, “Can you please ask me before you help me put on my clothes?” The caregiver agrees. Later, the caregiver reaches for Jordan’s arm without asking first, and Jordan says, “No, I’m not ready yet.” The caregiver waits until Jordan is ready, respecting Jordan’s choice and body.
This example demonstrates an important principle: people with I/DD have the right to communicate boundaries and have those boundaries respected.
Learn Information and Skills to Protect Yourself
Knowledge is power. People with I/DD benefit from learning:
The difference between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships
What consent means
Warning signs of unsafe situations
How to ask for help
How to communicate boundaries
How to make informed choices
Sexuality education is not just about preventing harm. It is also about helping people build healthy relationships, strengthen self-confidence, and advocate for themselves.
When people have access to accurate information and supportive education, they are better equipped to navigate relationships safely and confidently.
Questions to Think About
For People With I/DD
Do I know the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships?
Do I know how to stay safe in my relationships?
Do I know how to ask for help if something feels wrong?
Do I know that I have the right to say no?
For Professionals, Educators, and Supporters
Does the person you support understand consent and boundaries?
Have they had opportunities to learn relationship safety skills?
How can you help support self-advocacy and informed decision-making?
Are you creating safe opportunities for ongoing education and discussion?
Download Our Free Teaching Tool
Download the printable Sexual Rights: Safety teaching tool to support conversations about consent, safety, boundaries, and self-advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
You may also find these additional resources helpful:
Katherine McLaughlin, M.Ed., AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Trainer for Elevatus Training. She has been a sexuality educator and trainer for over 30 years. As a national expert on sexuality and intellectual and developmental disabilities, she trains professionals and parents, as well as people with I/DD, to become sexual self-advocates and peer sexuality educators.
