It’s a Taboo: Women with Disabilities Applying for Psychological Counseling Due to Romantic Relationship and Sexual Problems

The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of a sample of disabled women about problems with romantic relationships/sexual life. For the study, eight disabled women between the ages of 20 and 38 years were contacted. One theme to emerge was "sexuality as taboo" related to the family. It also seemed that these taboos led to women not receiving health information during adolescence. A second theme to emerge was "forbidden before marriage", which means that women with disabilities were prevented from dating and having sexual intercourse before marriage. A third theme to emerge was "disabled people are targets of sexual abuse" related to the overprotection of disabled women by their families. The final theme was "ableism is the biggest obstacle to the romantic/sexual relationships of disabled women". Participants emphasized the importance of obtaining information regarding disability and sexual life.