Opinions of the Dutch community regarding the Foundation for Contacts Alternative (Suchting Alternative Relatiebemeideling, SAR) – a report from pilot studies

Abstract

The sexual revolution, which began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, has led to increased interest in the sexuality of people with disabilities. Researchers and practitioners have begun exploring the sexuality of this group with particular emphasis on support and assistance in this area. Western countries, much faster than the countries of the Eastern Bloc, have developed a number of social, systemic and legal solutions in this area. In the West, the law permits marriages of persons with disabilities, so that there are not only marriages that “consume” their relationship, but also the so-called. “White marriage”. The solutions for the solitary were the ones created in the 1980s, organizations supporting the sexual sphere of people with disabilities. For example, in 1982 the Netherlands created Foundations for Alternative Contacts (Suchting Alternative Relatiebemeideling). This article presents the results of pilot studies conducted in two Dutch towns. The diagnostic survey method was used in the studies. A survey questionnaire was used, which contained 11 closed questions. The research concerned Dutch opinion on the Foundation for Alternative Contacts and its activities. The results of the research indicate a rather liberal approach to the type of intimate support provided to people with disabilities. The Dutch community knows about the workings of such an organization, and welcomes and accepts such forms of support for intimate life of people with disabilities.