Sexual Harassment and Assault of Students with Disabilities
View the Sexual Harassment and Assault of Students with Disabilities Power Topic
What’s Ahead
- What is sexual harassment?
- What is ableism?
- Discussion questions
- How are students with disabilities impacted by sexual harassment and assault?
- Who are the perpetrators?
- Scenarios
- Why is it difficult to get help?
- Does Title IX protect students with disabilities?
- How Title IX aligns with disability civil rights laws
- How we can support students with disabilities
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual conduct, including but not limited to:
- Sexual “jokes,” slurs, rumors, sounds, or gestures
- Sexual messages, images, or exposure to pornography
- Kissing or touching private body parts, including rape
- Threats, violence, stalking, or abuse by someone you are dating or previously dated
- Any romantic or sexual contact between a child and an adult, even if the child appears to consent or does not reject the relationship
What Is Ableism?
- Ableism is discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities, based on the belief that typical abilities are superior.
- Ableism includes, but is not limited to:
- “Jokes” about people with disabilities
- Phrases such as “That’s so lame!”
- Questioning whether someone “really” has a disability
- Assuming disabilities must be visible to be valid
Learn more: How to Be Anti-Ableist (Everyday Activism Network)
Talk About It
- Do you have friends or classmates with disabilities?
- Have you witnessed ableism? What happened?
- Have you seen someone bullied or mistreated because of a disability?
How Do Disabilities Affect Students?
- Youth with disabilities are nearly three times more likely to be sexually abused than peers without disabilities.
- Girls with disabilities face heightened risk due to both gender and disability.
- 17.3% of LGBTQ+ K-12 students report online harassment based on disability.
- Students with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to experience cyberbullying.
Who Are the Perpetrators?
- Students with disabilities are harassed or assaulted by teachers, aides, staff, bus drivers, and other students.
- Students with disabilities are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators.
- Sexual harassment and abuse can begin as early as elementary school.
Scenarios
Consider:
- How is disability a factor?
- How would you respond?
- What barriers might prevent reporting?
Scenario 1
Shannon, a high school student with partial vision, is frequently subjected to sexual jokes by classmates. One day, a student grabs her breasts in the hallway. Shannon confides in you.
Scenario 2
Jason, a student with Down syndrome, is sexually touched without consent by an older student on the school bus. Despite reporting it, he is told to “get over it.” The abuse escalates to assault.
Scenario 3
Denise, a middle school student who uses a wheelchair, is repeatedly touched by a teacher without consent. The behavior escalates over time, and Denise seeks your advice.
Why Is It Difficult to Get Help?
- Students with disabilities are often ignored, punished, or retaliated against when reporting abuse.
- Ableist stereotypes may lead administrators to minimize harm or dismiss reports.
- Some students may face communication barriers or difficulty describing the abuse.
Does Title IX Protect Students With Disabilities?
- Yes. Students with disabilities are protected under Title IX and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Title IX and Disability Civil Rights Law
- Title IX does not override disability protections under Section 504, ADA, or IDEA.
- Students involved in Title IX proceedings may request reasonable accommodations, such as interpreters, large-print materials, or plain-language documents.
- Survivors may request accommodations including class changes, exam rescheduling, or academic support.
How Can We Support Students With Disabilities?
- Believe survivors and offer support.
- Advocate for inclusive, developmentally appropriate sex education that addresses disability.
- Call out ableist and sexist language.
Reach out to educate others in your school or community, such as organizing presentations or workshops.
Special Thanks & Acknowledgments
- Dr. William A. Howe, Connecticut State Title IX Coordinator (retired)
- SSAIS volunteer Victoria Scalo
