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‘It’s important because we’re equal’: the push to make safe relationships more accessible
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‘It’s important because we’re equal’: the push to make safe relationships more accessible

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Content warning: This article references sexual and domestic violence.
For Dale Ryan, the Love Rights project addresses an important issue.
The program provides online educational resources and training that aim to reduce sexual violence for people with disabilities and provide information on how to enjoy intimacy and connection in a safe, respectful and understanding environment.
The Love Rights project, founded by the non-profit organization Northcott Disability Services and funded by the NSW Government, covers topics such as early warning signs of abusive relationships, consent, responding to sexualised behaviour, human rights and sexuality.

“It feels really good to have a voice that is actually heard and we can actually get something done – to prevent sexual violence among disabled people and in relationships,” Ryan told SBS News.

“I think it’s important because we are equal to everyone else, we deserve to have the same rights as everyone else.”

The program operator says that 84 percent of participants reported feeling more confident in expressing relationship needs after using the program.

Bridging the knowledge gap

Liz Forsyth, CEO of Northcott Disability Services, told SBS News that people with disabilities are at greater risk of sexual violence.

“[They] often do not have access to educational resources and support to understand what consent is, what safe sexual relationships and intimate connections with people are, and how to protect themselves and live full lives,” she said.
According to a 2021 Disability Royal Commission report, more than 60 percent of Australians with disabilities had experienced physical, social, intimate partner or emotional abuse.

Patrick Rory-John is a psychotherapist and counselor at Northcott Disability Services and was involved in the creation of the Love Rights project.

Patrick Rory-John (left) says education plays a “crucial role” in preventing sexual violence. Source: SBS news

They told SBS News that education is an important step in preventing sexual and domestic violence.

“You can’t prevent what you can’t name. And so education plays a crucial role,” they said.

“If you don’t know anything about sex, relationships, consent and abuse, how do you know when those boundaries have been crossed?”

Rory-John also said that removing barriers for people with disabilities was a crucial part of starting open and inclusive conversations.
“When it comes to conversations with people with disabilities, the question isn’t necessarily, ‘Are you safe?’ and monitoring their safety because that acts as a barrier,” Roy-John said.
“It’s really asking: Do you feel heard? Do you feel like your autonomy is respected? Do you feel empowered to make these decisions for yourself?
“A lot of people don’t know how to have these sexual conversations, but let’s just get started.”
If you or someone you know is affected by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In case of emergency you can call 000.

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