Perceptions and responses of staff to the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities at facilities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

This study explored perceptions and responses of staff members working at facilities for adults with intellectual disabilities in the Western Cape of South Africa toward the adults’ sexuality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 staff members from four facilities. The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Perceptions of service providers were mostly determined by their facility’s ethos and policy on sexuality issues. Some staff members regarded sexuality as a human right and supported all aspects of it while others acknowledged sexuality as a right but perceived the adults as incapable and suppressed their sexuality. Attitudes of the adults with intellectual disabilities’ families were the biggest hurdle faced by the staff who supported the adults’ sexuality. Staff members from different facilities need to learn from each other and direct engagement between the facilities and families is needed to ensure support of the adults with intellectual disabilities to experience sexual autonomy.