Why the symposium?
Sexuality and intimacy for adults with degenerative conditions such as dementia, or serious physical and mental health conditions are central yet often overlooked issues in adult care settings. There is a tendency instead to focus on preserving the physical wellbeing, cognition and independence of the individual, so that their sexual and emotional intimacy needs are often ignored. Some people with mental impairment or disability can spend a lifetime in care without opportunities for sexual intimacy. Others may have sexual encounters that expose them to harm, or where their sexual identity goes unrecognised or unacknowledged. Preserving people’s abilities to develop or maintain their sexuality and intimate relationships is therefore of fundamental importance, yet can give rise to complex legal, ethical and practical issues relevant to autonomy, protection and identity.
This one-day symposium will bring together national and international experts in health and social care practice and law in order to address some of the challenges associated with how sex, sexual identity and intimacy might be better conceived, expressed and facilitated in care settings. The aim of the symposium is to enable a more open dialogue around these issues and a deeper understanding of the sexual rights of people with disabilities.
We are delighted to give you advance notice of our forthcoming symposium and roundtable discussion on Sexual Autonomy, Protection and Identity in Care Settings, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, 10th November 2023 at Northumbria Law School, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST.
This will be a FREE event at Northumbria Law School with some sessions available to join online. Registration will be open from September 2023 onwards and places will be limited, so please save the date!
