Repeated sexual assault among people with disabilities: A comparative analysis by disability type
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Sexual violence disproportionately affects people with disabilities. Repeated sexual assault, a core marker of system failure, is an understudied topic in disability research. The current study quantified inequalities in sexual revictimization between people with and without disabilities and between disability types. We linked Taiwan's 2019-2022 National Sexual Assault Database with the National Disability Registry to compare revictimization by disability status and type and to identify correlates. Negative binomial models yielded incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with adjustment for age, sex, place of residence, income, perpetrator relationship, and follow-up time. Among 30,124 individuals with sexual assault experience, 3116 (10.3 %) experienced multiple assaults; 22.8 % of these experienced 3 or more assaults. People with disabilities were more likely to experience multiple assaults than were people without disabilities (IRR = 2.42, P < .001). Among people with disabilities (n = 3633), those with an intellectual disability (IRR = 1.83, P < .001) or a mental disability (IRR = 2.32, P < .001) were the most likely to experience revictimization. Perpetrator relationship had an influence; compared with noncohabiting partners, the following perpetrators were associated with a greater risk of multiple assault: online acquaintances (IRR = 1.94, P < .001); fathers (IRR = 1.64, P < .001), and strangers (IRR = 1.68, P < .001). Online acquaintances were a risk factor among people with disabilities (IRR = 1.74, P < .001). Our findings highlight substantial, disability-specific disparities in repeated sexual assault. Prevention and response should prioritize assisting survivors with intellectual and mental disabilities.
Authors: Christy Pu, Yueh-Ching Chou, Yiing-Jenq Chou
Institutions: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Asia University
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,040
Awards: Enhancing the Estimation of Taiwan'S National Health Expenditure: Insights into Out-Of-Pocket Expenses, National Health Insurance, and Long-Term Care, From Care Poverty to Care Sustainability: Capability Approach to Balancing Needs and Costs in Care and Support for Children, Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities( II ), Financial Status and Medical Burden for Disabled People
OpenAlex ID: W7124434999