{"id":14494,"date":"2022-05-17T13:56:38","date_gmt":"2022-05-17T08:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/manovikasfamily.org\/gyanshala\/?p=14494"},"modified":"2023-06-08T20:13:04","modified_gmt":"2023-06-08T14:43:04","slug":"sexual-self-advocacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/manovikasfamily.org\/gyanshala\/sexual-self-advocacy\/","title":{"rendered":"SEXUAL RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (IDD)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Today the picture has changed and to a large extent, persons with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (IDD)*<\/strong> live their entire lives in the community. They are included into schools, colleges, workplaces, recreational activities, and other activities. As society has evolved, we also have come to recognize that adults with IDD should be able to make decisions to the greatest extent of their abilities. Freedom to make decisions is a core human right, fundamental to personal autonomy and self-determination.<\/p>

But when it comes to sex, sexuality and relationships, challenges remain. Many people\u2014including parents and caregivers\u2014still hold stereotypes about the sexuality of this population.<\/p>

“There is still the perception that people with intellectual disabilities are asexual, that they are eternal children, that they aren’t interested in sex,” says Shelley Watson, PhD, professor of psychology at Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada.<\/p>

Decisions about sexuality and relationships are no different for persons with IDD. These decisions can be central to the human experience. Individuals with IDD have a fundamental right to sexual expression.<\/p>

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) and The Arc issued a Joint Statement in 2008 affirming that people with ID \u201clike all people, have inherent sexual rights. These rights and needs must be affirmed, defended, and respected\u201d (AAID & The Arc, 2008).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Section 25(k) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPD Act) deals with providing sexual and reproductive health care, especially for women with disability.
Under Section 92 (d) of the RPD Act, 2016 the sexual exploitation of a disabled child or woman by creating a position to dominate her will is atrocity and a punishable offence.<\/p>

National Trust Act for the Welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual disability (ID) (formally known as Mental Retardation), and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 (NT Act) only indicates about sexual abuse, it has been said that whenever there is a situation of neglect or misbehavior on the part of the guardian, the commission will be constituted.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The guideline and protocols, medico-legal care for survivors\/victims of sexual violence, published by the Government of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health and Family Welfare, Hospital Division, clearly indicates that do not assume that a person with a disability cannot give a history of sexual violence himself\/ herself. Because abuse by near and dear ones is common, it is important to not
let the history be dictated by the caretaker or person accompanying the survivor.
History must be sought independently, directly from the survivor herself\/himself. Let the
a person decide who can be present in the room while history is being sought and
examination conducted.<\/p>

Consent is importnat. All persons are ordinarily able to give or refuse to give informed consent, including persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities, and their informed consent should be sought and obtained before any medical examination. Some specific steps may be required when taking informed consent from persons with mental illness or those with intellectual disabilities. If it is deemed necessary, such persons should:
(a) be provided with the necessary information (what the procedure involves, the
reason for doing the procedure, the potential risks and discomforts) in a simple
language and in a form that makes it easy for them to understand the information;
(b) be given adequate time to arrive at a decision;
(c) be provided with the assistance of a friend\/colleague\/caregiver in making the informed consent decision and in conveying their decision to medical personnel. The decision of the person to either give consent or refuse consent with the above supports, to the medical examination, should be respected.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"WHO\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has provided the working definitions of sexuality and states that sexual health cannot be defined, understood or made operational without a broad consideration of sexuality, which underlies important behaviours and outcomes related to sexual health. The working definition of sexuality is:<\/p>

\u201c\u2026a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.\u201d (WHO, 2006a)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Sexuality is a natural and precious aspect of life, it is also an essential and fundamental part of our humanity to achieve the highest level of health for all of us. In particular, individuals with IDD should be empowered to choose sex and reproductive health in their lives by first being aware of their sexuality; They should feel confident and secure in expressing their sexual identity.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

In India under the RPD Act and the NT Act, the sexuality of persons with disabilities, and especially those with IDD, is not discussed to such an extent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In general, individuals with IDD are considered asexual and are thought to lack love and relationships with others and a desire to fulfil sexual expression. Individual rights to sexuality, which are essential to human health and well-being, have been denied to some extent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Its loss negatively affects intellectual and developmental disabilities, thereby depriving them of gender identity, friendship, self-esteem, body image and awareness, emotional development and social behaviour. Individuals with IDD are often not provided with or even lack access to appropriate sex education at home, in special schools, inclusive schools, and other settings. Also, some individuals display sexual problem behaviours or poor choices about sex rather than express their sexuality, lie or manipulate things, and feel lonely, resulting in abuse or physical abuse. They may be forced to engage in sexual activity.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

What Manovikas is doing?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Today, discrimination, stigma, fear and violence are real threats to everyone and individuals with IDD are largely ignored, when they are most vulnerable. This is a sign of danger – it is hopeless and it threatens their lives. Many people are also prevented from accessing basic sexual rights and healthcare.<\/p>

Manovikas Charitable Society (MCS) is committed to accomplishing its goals through a positive approach that embodies the principles of universality, interconnectedness, interdependence and the indivisibility of all human rights for individuals with IDD. We make every effort to ensure that sexual rights \u2013 human rights for individuals with IDD \u2013 are respected through our service provision and advocacy and also in the wider public sphere.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

MCS is recognising the challenges of addressing sexuality with persons with IDD. As the State Nodal Agency Center (SNAC) of the National Trust for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual disability (ID) (formally known as Mental Retardation), and Multiple Disabilities, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India providing adequate online and offline training, providing workshops. Strives to help bring about a positive attitude towards sexuality by training professionals, teachers, self-advocates and parents and boosting their confidence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Sexual Rights of People with Disabilities<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

All persons with disabilities have the same right to sexual expression as all other persons in society. These rights include, but are not limited to, the following:<\/p>