People with intellectual disability have a right to sexuality – but their families have concerns

People with intellectual disability are entitled to their human rights like everyone else. Shutterstock

Many South Africans living with intellectual disability don’t have opportunities to be part of community life. They may lack the opportunity to learn, work or enjoy leisure activities and social connections like anyone else.

There are various reasons for this. Inadequate health and social services, stigma and poor understanding of intellectual disability in society are some of them. One reason that researchers haven’t explored much relates to family members’ legitimate fears of the risk that their relatives will be sexually abused.