Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Preventing Sexual Abuse for People with IDD
From Quillo Pod by Quillo
April 9, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 172
About this episode
Cynthia and John discuss the critical issues surrounding sexual abuse prevention and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
In this episode of QuilloPod, Cynthia and John discuss sexual abuse prevention, response, and survivorship. Research suggests that three out of four adults with an intellectual disability will experience sexual abuse in their lifetime. Yet it remains widely underreported, misunderstood, and underprepared for by the very organizations and families meant to provide support. John and Cynthia break down three essential areas every family member, caregiver, and professional should know: How to recognize the signs, including behavioral and emotional changes, that may indicate abuse How to respond when someone discloses abuse, what to say, what not to say, and why your reaction matters How to support healing and justice. Resources mentioned in the episode: MyQuillo Authors Cierra Olivia Thomas, founder of Indiana Disability Justice Dr. Karyn Harvey Learn more about her work Dr. Nora Baladerian Learn more about her work To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com
People in this episode
Hosts: Cynthia, John
Topics covered
- sexual abuse prevention
- intellectual disability
- support for survivors
- recognizing signs of abuse
- responding to disclosures
- healing and justice
Keywords
- sexual abuse
- intellectual disability
- prevention
- support
- survivorship
- disclosure
- healing
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Indiana Disability Justice, MyQuillo, Quillo
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