Barwon Sexual Lives & Respectful Relationships Network

Sexual Lives and Respectful Relationships is a community-based program to empower people and promote the importance of safe and healthy relationships and sexual practices. It is aimed at people with an intellectual disability, who are over the age of 18 and live in the Barwon region.

Sexual Lives and Respectful Relationships provides a safe and supportive environment for people with an intellectual disability to openly discuss their sexuality and relationships, and equips them with resources that are easy to understand and relate to. This project is underpinned by a strong commitment to justice, equality and respect.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community. Sadly however, not everyone does.

People with an intellectual disability have a higher risk of sexual abuse than the general population and a higher risk of sexual abuse than other disability groups (Horner-Johnson & Drum 2006). They often miss opportunities to learn about relationships as well as lack the support they need to develop healthy relationships, and identify and deal with unhealthy relationships. Sexual Lives and Respectful Relationships will provide them with a greater understanding of their sexuality, sexual health, personal rights and relationships.