Sexual assistance is support for people of functional diversity so that they can have sexual access to their own body and sexual experiences.[1][2] Some people with physical disabilities may not have the dexterity, mobility, or other freedom of movement to engage in sexual activities, including masturbation, without physical assistance from another party.[3] The support provided may range from assistance with preparation, which may include self-grooming; accessing and using sex aids or sexual services; and physical assistance with bodily movement and positioning.[4]

Ethics and criticism

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Advocates of sexual assistance believe this practice allows people with disabilities to exercise their sexual rights on the same basis as non-disabled individuals do, thereby placing sexual assistance services into the same category as any other form of social assistance. Opposing positions consider that it is a form of prostitution which, in their view, is sexual exploitation, and should be abolished.[5][6][7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Calvo, Elena (15 February 2020). "¿Qué son los asistentes sexuales para personas con discapacidad?". ABC (in Spanish).
  2. ^ "Asistencia sexual, la gran desconocida". Muy Interesante (in Spanish). 11 May 2021.
  3. ^ "A charity providing sex services for disabled people". BBC. 28 April 2017.
  4. ^ Bahner, Julia (2020). "Setting the Scene: Disabled sexual experience in context". Sexual citizenship and disability: Understanding sexual support in policy, practice and theory. Abingdon, England: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-138-59423-4.
  5. ^ Rafael de Asís Roig (13 June 2019). "Is Sexual Assistance a Right?" (PDF). The Age of Human Rights Journal (12): 133–147. doi:10.17561/tahrj.n12.7. ISSN 2340-9592. S2CID 198694998.
  6. ^ Ballesteros, Esther (20 August 2022). "La asistencia sexual a personas con discapacidad: entre el tabú y la sombra de la prostitución". elDiario.es (in Spanish).
  7. ^ "¿Qué es un asistente sexual para personas con discapacidad y como está regulado?". EPsocial (in Spanish). Europa Press (news agency). 13 February 2023.