The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) are sexually assaulted seven times more than those without disabilities. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals also face high rates of sexual violence.

It is critical that healthcare professionals and their patients talk openly about sexual violence and abuse prevention.

Suggestions offered here are designed to facilitate conversations about sexual violence and provide patients with a safe environment in which to share their experiences and get the support they need.