Due to copyright issues, an electronic copy of the thesis must be ordered from the faculty. For the faculty to have time to process the order, the order must be received by the faculty at the latest 2 days before the public defence. Orders received later than 2 days before the defence will not be processed. After the public defence, please address any inquiries regarding the thesis to the candidate.
Trial Lecture – time and place
See Trial Lecture.
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Professor Andrew Jahoda, University of Glasgow, UK
- Second opponent: Consultant Knut Hermstad, RVTS Midt
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Professor Kristin Heggen, University of Oslo
Chair of Defence
Professor Emeritus Anne Marit Mengshoel, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Erik Søndenaa, NTNU
Summary
The aims of this thesis were to identify preventative measures from various theoretical perspectives. This was achieved through qualitative and quantitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with people with intellectual disabilities, focus groups of professionals, and the assessment of sexual knowledge using a tool called SexKunn for people with intellectual disabilities.
Results indicate that some people with intellectual disabilities may lack the necessary knowledge to navigate personal and sexual boundaries, increasing their risk of becoming victims or offenders of harmful sexual behaviour. The SexKunn tool proved effective in highlighting knowledge gaps. The poor collaboration between healthcare services and the justice system emerged as a significant barrier to prevention efforts. Establishing better communication and clear guidelines is essential for improving support and safeguarding the sexual rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
In conclusion, enhancing sexual education and systemic collaboration can significantly reduce vulnerabilities. This approach promises to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to foster healthy, consensual relationships and to navigate their sexual lives more safely and independently.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.