A state sexual abuse support service says reports to police of sexual violence against Tasmanians with a disability are often not prosecuted in court.
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Sexual Assault Support Service chief executive Jill Maxwell said 25 per cent of women with a disability had experience some form of sexual violence compared to 15 per cent of women without a disability.
She said the rate of assault was higher because people with disability were more vulnerable and, in some cases, relied on the care and guidance of others.
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That reliance could result in the abuse of power or a person with a disability being taken advantage of, Ms Maxwell said.
"Not only do they need some type of support in understanding that they have control over their own body, but the people around them and support services need some training in how to support that communication if they need to help them do something," she said.
"When people with disability, particularly an intellectual disability, are reporting sexual abuse, police and the justice system don't proceed with most of the reports because it's their word against the perpetrator and they didn't feel like they would understand the court process or be a reliable witness to prove the case."
The government introduced a witness intermediary pilot scheme in March which will run for three years before an evaluation.
The scheme makes intermediaries available to children and adults with communication needs in relation to sexual offences and homicide.
Ms Maxwell said this would greatly assist Tasmanians with some type of cognitive disability in navigating the justice system, particularly when used at the time when a statement is given to police.
"That will help in getting richer evidence and supporting that person to be able to talk about what has happened," she said.
"It's hard enough without a disability to have to talk to a stranger about something like sexual assault."
According to personal safety data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly 31 per cent of women with a severe disability from the age of 15 have experienced sexual violence.
Thirteen per cent of men with a severe disability have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
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Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
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