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Ana R. Pinho, Rodrigues, L., Catarina Vitorino, Santos, D., Oliveira, J.M. & Nogueira, C. (2026). Sexual Assistance for People with Disabilities: A Case Study in the Portuguese Context. Sexuality Research and Social Policy. 1-16

A. R. Pinho et al.,  "Sexual Assistance for People with Disabilities: A Case Study in the Portuguese Context", in Sexuality Research and Social Policy, pp. 1-16, 2026

@article{pinho2026_1782604405151,
	author = "Ana R. Pinho and Rodrigues, L. and Catarina Vitorino and Santos, D. and Oliveira, J.M. and Nogueira, C.",
	title = "Sexual Assistance for People with Disabilities: A Case Study in the Portuguese Context",
	journal = "Sexuality Research and Social Policy",
	year = "2026",
	volume = "",
	number = "",
	doi = "10.1007/s13178-026-01353-2",
	pages = "1-16",
	url = "https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-026-01353-2"
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Sexual Assistance for People with Disabilities: A Case Study in the Portuguese Context
T2  - Sexuality Research and Social Policy
AU  - Ana R. Pinho
AU  - Rodrigues, L.
AU  - Catarina Vitorino
AU  - Santos, D.
AU  - Oliveira, J.M.
AU  - Nogueira, C.
PY  - 2026
SP  - 1-16
SN  - 1868-9884
DO  - 10.1007/s13178-026-01353-2
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-026-01353-2
AB  - Abstract
Introduction Sexuality is a fundamental dimension of life, yet people with disabilities often face systemic oppressions that
hinder their sexual agency. This study addresses the lack of formal sexual assistance in Portugal by exploring the insights of
a disability rights collective regarding the implementation, challenges, and empowerment potential of such services.
Methods A qualitative case study was conducted with “The DEFiants” (As DEsaFiantes), an anti-ableist Portuguese femi-
nist collective. Data collection occurred between October 2023 and July 2024, involving three stages of exploratory and
semi-structured interviews with two representative members to capture the collective’s public stance. The data were ana-
lyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.
Results The findings identified six key themes: the need for broad and flexible definitions of sexual assistance, the transi-
tion from theory to practice, the potentialities of sexual assistance for self-knowledge and empowerment, ethical challenges
(particularly regarding intellectual disabilities), the strategic distinction between personal and sexual assistance, and the
necessary alliance with the sex work movement.
Conclusions The study concludes that sexual assistance should be framed as a human right that prioritizes pleasure, autonomy, and self-determination. The participants advocate for a model that moves away from medicalized perspectives andinstead embraces a “body revolution” that empowers non-normative bodies.
Policy Implications To operationalize sexual assistance in Portugal, policies must focus on the decriminalization of sex workto provide a legal framework for the service. Additionally, the study suggests utilizing existing mechanisms, such as the Social Benefit for Inclusion, to fund these services, thereby ensuring equitable access while protecting the privacy of people with disabilities.
ER  -