Recognising and preventing sexual abuse

Recognising and preventing abuse in autistic adults is a topic that isn’t discussed often enough. 

Sadly, research shows that individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, are more likely to experience abuse than their neurotypical peers. This makes it vital for us to understand what abuse looks like, the signs to watch for, and how we can prevent it.

What is abuse?

Abuse comes in various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. Physical abuse includes actions such as shaking, beating, biting, kicking, punching, and burning. Emotional abuse involves behaviours that harm a person's self-worth or emotional wellbeing, such as verbal assaults, threats, and manipulation. Sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual activity or behaviour. Neglect occurs when someone fails to provide necessary care, food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical care, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

While exact numbers are hard to pinpoint, studies suggest that individuals with disabilities are over twice as likely to face physical or sexual abuse compared to their neurotypical peers. This alarming statistic highlights the need for increased awareness and protective measures.

Signs of abuse

Spotting the signs of abuse early can make a significant difference. Physical abuse may leave visible signs such as unexplained bruises, pain, or weight loss. Behavioural changes can also be key indicators, including social withdrawal or avoidance of specific people or places, behavioural outbursts in certain situations, and developmental regression.

Recognising signs in non-verbal individuals

For non-verbal individuals, behavioural changes are often the most obvious indicator, including:

• Increased social withdrawal or avoidance: Sudden avoidance of specific people or places could indicate distress.
• Sudden behavioural outbursts: More frequent tantrums or aggressive behaviour can signal underlying issues.
• Developmental regression: Reverting to earlier behaviours like using a baby voice or thumb-sucking.
• Increased self-soothing or self-injurious behaviours: Actions like rocking, skin-picking, or hair-pulling can be coping mechanisms for stress or trauma.

Preventing abuse

Prevention is an important step to safeguarding autistic individuals. Here are some practical steps you can take:

Education and awareness

Educate yourself and your loved ones about the signs of abuse and how to report it. Have open conversations about personal safety, boundaries, and the difference between healthy and unhealthy touching. Practice role-playing scenarios to prepare your loved ones for potentially dangerous situations, helping them know what to do if they ever feel unsafe.

Engage with service providers

Speak with service providers about their policies regarding abuse and neglect in the setting where your loved one is receiving care. Make sure they have clear, well-documented guidelines in place, and confirm that staff members are trained to recognise and address cases of abuse and neglect.

Empower autistic individuals

Teach and encourage autistic individuals to advocate for themselves in appropriate ways. Educate them about the signs of abuse and who they can trust to report these issues. Ensure they can identify at least two trusted adults they can approach if they need help.

Sexual abuse

Autistic individuals face a higher risk of sexual abuse for various reasons, including difficulty recognising dangerous situations and a tendency to comply with authority figures. They might also have more caregivers, increasing the risk of exposure to abuse.

Signs of sexual abuse

Emotional and behavioural changes are the most noticeable indicators of sexual abuse, including:

• Increased aggression or anger: Sudden, unexplained outbursts can be a red flag.
• Social withdrawal: Becoming more distant or less interactive might indicate distress.
• Increased agitation or hyperactivity: Noticeable changes in activity levels can be signs of trauma.
• Developmental regression: Losing previously acquired skills or reverting to earlier behaviours.
• Problematic sexual behaviours: Inappropriate sexual behaviour or risky activities.
• Substance use: Sudden use of alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns: Significant differences in appetite or sleep.
• Suicidal thoughts: Expressions of self-harm or suicidal ideation need immediate attention.
• Nightmares or sleeping difficulties: Increased nightmares or trouble sleeping.
• Anxiety and depression: Heightened anxiety or depressive behaviour.
• Difficulty walking or sitting: Physical signs of abuse need immediate attention.
• Reluctance to be alone with certain people: A clear sign that something might be wrong.
• Unusual sexual knowledge or behaviours: This can indicate exposure to inappropriate situations.

Preventing sexual abuse

Preventing sexual abuse involves educating autistic individuals about body safety and boundaries. Here’s how you can help:

• Teach accurate names for private body parts: Clear communication is crucial.
• Focus beyond stranger danger: Most abuse is committed by someone the individual knows, so discuss trust and appropriate boundaries with familiar people.
• Touching and body safety: Explain the difference between "okay" and "not okay" touches.
• Empower decision-making: Encourage them to make decisions about their bodies and to say "no" to unwanted touches.
• Self-care skills: Teach them to take care of their private parts to reduce reliance on others.
• Good vs. bad secrets: Help them understand the difference between secrets that are okay to keep (like surprise parties) and those that are not (like ongoing abuse).

Getting help

If you discover that someone close to you is a victim of abuse, it’s vital to stay calm, listen carefully, and never blame the victim. Reassure them of your support and take immediate action by reporting the abuse. Contact the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732, or call 000 for emergency assistance.

Therapy options

There are various therapy and support options for individuals who have been abused, including:

• Individual therapy: Provides a safe space for victims to express and process their experiences.
• Family therapy: Helps the entire family heal and support the victim.
• Group therapy: Connects victims with others who have had similar experiences.
• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy: Addresses the impact of trauma on thoughts and behaviours.

These therapies can help the victim and their families heal and recover from the trauma of abuse.