Psychodynamics of the Sexual Assistance for Individuals with Disability

Abstract

This article aims at analyzing the issue of in individuals with disability (subjects with physical and/or mental disabilities) and the new professional figure of the sexual assistant, already accepted and adopted in some parts of Europe. The sexual assistant as a professional figure has been raising many moral and practical dilemmas and additionally is a controversial figure. A service, which can offer to these particular subjects, the possibility to explore their sexuality raises many questions concerning the social, legal and moral issues, which may or may not legitimize the adoption of this practice. Moreover it can be difficult to disentangle all the complexities and issues that may be created by this professional figure. Beyond the problems that such an approach undoubtedly raises, it is a fact that the sexuality of people with disabilities is often neglected or denied. This new professional figure has the merit to underline and highlight the problem.