Towards a better support after sexual violence for victims with a disability living in residential care

Persons with disabilities have a higher risk of sexual victimisation than those without disabilities. People with disabilities living in residential care often experience a lack of access to critical knowledge, accessible information and sexual support, which further increases their vulnerability to sexual violence. Additionally, they are often dependent on others to access care and support after sexual violence, which can be a barrier to receiving appropriate help.

Through a qualitative research design, we wish to answer the following research questions:

• What are the experiences of persons with disabilities living in facilities who were victims of sexual violence with regard to disclosing violence, seeking help and obtaining care?
• What are the experiences of care providers in providing care to persons with disabilities living in residential care following sexual violence?

Through this study, we wish to formulate concrete recommendations to improve disclosure and care for persons with disabilities living in residential care who experienced sexual violence.