Perceptions of forensic interviewers on the sexual education of individuals with a disability exposed to sexual victimisation

Abstract

ABSTRACT This qualitative study examines the perspectives of forensic interviewers on the education of individuals with a disability who have been exposed to sexual abuse and violence. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 forensic interviewees in six provinces in Turkey. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Thematic analysis results revealed four themes: types of disabilities of individuals subjected to sexual violence and abuse; family; education and sexual violence and abuse; and the effect of difficulties in self-expression during the forensic interview process. The findings emphasise the necessity for tailored, visually supported education aligned with developmental stages to prevent sexual violence. The inclusion of parents in these sexual education sessions could prove to be effective in preventing the onset of sexual abuse perpetrated against individuals with a disability. The insights provided by forensic interviewers underscore the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in developing and implementing sexual education programmes, aiming to address deficiencies in current sexual education frameworks. Personal safety and sexual education could be useful in preventing negative incidents that individuals with a disability may encounter at every stage of their lives. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Our results highlight the critical importance of customised sexual education programmes for reducing the vulnerability of individuals with a disability to sexual violence and abuse. It addresses the role of identifying practical measures to address the risks associated with these individuals, promoting parental involvement, and raising awareness in the community. Interdisciplinary collaboration across various fields, such as health care, psychology, and law, and the development of inclusive sexual education initiatives, may be important for protecting the rights and well-being of individuals with a disability and their families.