Factsheet

Public and Private - Part of the Body, Places and Behaviours (disability fact sheet)

Date   07 September 2004

This fact sheet provides messages in plain English. It is designed to assist families and workers to talk with a person with a disability about sexuality issues. Please note that some of the language in this fact sheet may be very explicit. This is to maximise the learning possibilities of the person with a disability. The language chosen is simple and clear and the concepts developed have been used successfully in teaching situations.

Public and private PARTS of the BODY

The private parts of a woman's body are her breasts, vulva and bottom. The private parts of a man's body are his penis, testes and bottom. These private parts of our bodies are usually covered with our underwear.

No one should touch your private parts unless you want them to, and you say it is okay.

Some public parts of men and women's bodies are their hands, arms, faces and feet.

These public parts of the body are okay for other people to see. It can be different in different places that you go. Some parts of the body are okay for other people to see at the swimming pool. These are different to the parts of the body that are okay for other people to see in a restaurant. We usually cover more of our bodies when we go to a restaurant.

Public and private PLACES

Usually your bedroom, bathroom, or toilet is a private place if the door is closed. No one else should go into your private place unless you say it is okay. It is your private place.

A public place is where there are other people around. Some public places are the bus, train, park and lounge room. It's not your own private place. You share those places with other people. They can walk in and out without asking you if it is okay.

Public and private BEHAVIOURS

Private parts of the body can be touched when we are in private places. You can masturbate or have sex in your bedroom if you want to. It is only private if you are there by yourself or with the person you are going to have sex with and the door is closed.

Public parts of the body can be touched when we are in public places. You can hold hands with a special friend at the movies if you want to.

Reference:

All About Sex / Family Planning NSW - a book written specifically for people with an intellectual disability or learning difficulty to educate them about sexuality.

For further information

Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886.