Why Are So Many People with I/DD in Prison for Sexual Offenses?

Trigger Warning: Sex, sexual offense, sexual abuse

Did you know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are incarcerated in U.S. prisons at much higher rates than others? A government survey from 2016 found that nearly 1 in 4 people in prison reported having a cognitive disability. That’s a shocking and heartbreaking number.

We work with people with I/DD every day. We know them as kind, funny, caring, and full of potential. They are not criminals. So why are so many ending up in prison?

What’s Really Happening?

When we looked deeper into the kinds of crimes that people with I/DD are being charged with, one thing stood out: a large number are in prison for sexual offenses. These include things like sexual assault, molestation, public masturbation, or exposing themselves in public.

That doesn’t mean most people with I/DD are dangerous or intentionally harming others. In fact, we believe that many of these cases are the result of misunderstanding, lack of support, and a failure to educate.

The Harmful Myth: "People with I/DD Don’t Have Sexual Feelings"

One major problem is the false belief that people with I/DD don’t have sexual desires. This isn’t true. People with I/DD are human beings, and many want the same things we all want: love, intimacy, and connection. Assuming they aren’t interested in or don’t desire sexual connection causes harm because it often means they’re left out of important conversations and education about sex and relationships.

No Sex Ed = Big Problems

Many adults with I/DD never get proper sex education. They’re often pulled out of sex ed classes in school, or the information they get is overly basic. That means they may not understand what consent means, what behaviors are legal or illegal, or how to express their feelings in safe and respectful ways.

So when someone with I/DD acts out sexually in a way that breaks the law, we have to ask: Were they ever taught what was OK and what wasn’t? Because if they weren’t, it’s not fair, or effective, to punish them for not knowing.

Limited Opportunities for Healthy Relationships

People with I/DD often have very small social circles. Many are surrounded only by family and support staff, who are obviously not appropriate partners. Even when two people with I/DD want to have a relationship, they’re often not given privacy or support to do so. Families and caregivers may try to protect them, but this lack of opportunity can lead to frustration and confusion.

When people are kept from forming healthy, consensual relationships, some may try to connect in ways that are not safe or legal. That doesn’t make it right, but it shows why education and support are essential.

Trauma Is a Huge Part of the Story

We also can’t ignore the role of trauma. Studies show that at least 50% of people with I/DD have been sexually abused. Many never report it, so the real number is probably much higher.

And here’s something painful but important to know: People who are abused are more likely to act out sexually later in life. This doesn’t excuse the behavior, but it does help explain why it happens, and what we can do to prevent it.

So What Can We Do?

If we want fewer people with I/DD to end up in prison, we need to provide better education, better support, and more respect.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Recognize that people with I/DD have real needs for love, intimacy, and sex.

• Provide clear, accessible sex education that covers consent, safety, and respect.

• Create space for healthy, appropriate relationships to form.

• Protect people with I/DD from abuse, and teach them how to spot red flags.

  
  

This work isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. The best way to prevent sexual offenses is to make sure people with I/DD have the knowledge and support they need to live safely, happily, and with dignity.