A Reflection on Disability and Sexual Assault

Carrie shares her experience of sexual assault, from the perspective of someone who has grown up deaf and uses hearing technology. Carrie highlights how people with disabilities often feel unwanted and undesirable concerning romantic relationships. This can leave them more vulnerable to sexual assault and undesired sexual experiences.

Carrie understands this firsthand as she was sexually assaulted by her first boyfriend. He ignored what she told him would make her feel safest as a deaf person in a sexual encounter. Although reporting the assault did not lead to justice, Carrie knows the value in speaking up. Her story affirms the importance of telling our stories as survivors.

When I was 17, I had my first serious boyfriend. We moved very fast sexually—I was thrilled to feel desired. I felt undeserving of his interest in me, and he quickly caught onto this. Soon enough, he began using my disability as a weapon against me.

SOURCE: Safe Passage •