 The
myths
Common beliefs about people
with an intellectual disability (particularly women) are
that they:
- are compulsive
liars;
- are either asexual or extremely
promiscuous; and,
- don't feel emotion or pain like
other people.
These are NOT
TRUE!
It is important to realise that
these beliefs are myths - not facts - and can lead to
serious discrimination against victims with an
intellectual disability.
These myths are one of the reasons
why complaints of violence against people with an
intellectual disability are so rarely believed or acted
upon.
 The
Facts
Most people with an
intellectual disability will be sexually assaulted at
some point in their lives.
Most violence experienced by people
with an intellectual disability is perpetrated by someone
they know well.
Legal processes to protect people
from violence are not easily accessible to people with an
intellectual disability.
The most frequent crimes against them are
physical and sexual assault, and they are significantly more
likely to be a victim of these crimes than the rest of the
population.
-- Myths
and Facts
If a person with an intellectual
disability says they have been the victim of violence, the
matter should be taken seriously.
>>Read about
Taking
Action
It is very important that a victim
with an intellectual disability is given appropriate
assistance and support. They have the same rights to the
protection and the assistance of the law as other
people.
>>Read about
True
Stories
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