(Dis)abling Blame: the Influence of Disability Status on Attributions of Blame Toward Victims of Sexual Assault

Does the Presence of a Physical Disability Affect Classification of Sexual Assault?

“…Effect sizes, unlike p-values, are independent of sample size, and may offer valuable information even in the absence of statistical significance (Sullivan & Feinn, 2012). While it is possible disability status has no effect on classification of sexual assault, similar to the Hughes et al (2020) study focusing on victim disability status, future research using larger and more diverse sample sizes may offer a different perspective. The odds ratios demonstrate (albeit lacking statistical significance) that people tend to classify the situation as sexual assault more often when the victim is in a wheelchair, compared to the control, and less often when the perpetrator is in a wheelchair.…”

“…Previous studies have investigated the effects that certain perpetrator (Henry et al, 2021), victim (Davies, Rogers, et al, 2010), and respondent (Rogers et al, 2009) characteristics have on the classification of a scenario as sexual assault. However, few studies have focused on the influence of disability status in the interpretation of sexual assault cases (Hughes et al, 2020; Rogers et al, 2009). Neither of these studies explored the impact of attitudes toward disabilities on classification of sexual assault, which may be important given pervasive, negative attitudes toward disability and sexuality (Esmail et al, 2010; Rohleder et al, 2018; Valvano et al, 2014).…”

“…While many perceptions have been negative in nature (Esmail et al, 2010; Rohleder et al, 2018; Valvano et al, 2014), positive attitudes have been reported (Saxe & Flanagan, 2014). It was even found that some considered persons with physical disabilities to be in greater need of affection than their able-bodied counterparts (Hughes et al, 2020). It is clear that despite perceptions and barriers, people with disabilities may have the same needs for sexual health information and opportunities as everyone else (WHO/UNFPA, 2009).…”

“…Given the beliefs about those with disabilities, it may be likely that victims of sexual assault with disabilities may be more likely to be believed when compared to victims without a disability. However, very little 20 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 research has examined the perceptions of victims with and without disability (see for exception Hughes et al, 20 ;Rogers et al, 2009).…”

“…Rogers et al (2009) focused on intellectual impairments and other types of disabilities simultaneously, creating a confluence of factors. Hughes et al (2020) is one of the only studies that has focused solely on the presence or absence of a physical disability to classify a sexual experience as assault. However, this study only examined a victim’s physical disability status, indicating that further research is needed to study whether a perpetrator’s disability status affects classification.…”