Scoping Review of Sex Education Discrepancies and Sexual Violence

Abstract

Sexual violence is a widespread issue that affects many people and leaves victims with lifelong effects on their physical and mental health. In Canada, youth and minorities are some of the highest at risk to experience sexual violence. This scoping review was performed to gain a better understanding of the current literature on the sex education of LGBTQ+ and disabled people and the correlation between sex education discrepancies and sexual violence. LGBTQ+ and disabled people were less likely to receive inclusive and comprehensive sex education and, in turn, were more vulnerable to poor health outcomes and risk of victimization. Many sex education programs instilled heteronormativity and reinforced the notion that disabled people are asexual beings. Changes to sex education need to be made that benefit LGBTQ+ and disabled youth. By including information on disabled bodies, gender identity, sexuality, and sexual violence prevention, youth are better equipped for intimate relationships.