Sexual Violence in Multicultural and/or Underrepresented Communities
When considering the needs of survivors and what supports are appropriate, it is important not only to identify the barriers faced with the assault itself, but also to examine the impact of the assault as it relates to the community of which the survivor is a part. In doing so, we recognize and acknowledge the complexity of the experience and also give space to the survivor to create her/his path to recovery.
Survivors with disabilities face many of the same barriers to seeking help that survivors without disabilities do, but there are also a range of issues that are unique to survivors with disabilities. Some examples are listed below, but SAPAC recognizes that each individual and each assault is unique.
People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and also as survivors of sexual assault face not only the barriers to seeking help that all survivors face, but also a range of obstacles that are unique to the LGBT community.
Sexual assault has traditionally been used by men to disempower and frighten women, just as racism has been used to disempower and frighten people of color. The sexual assault of women of color, therefore, is often a combination of both racist and sexist attitudes. These attitudes, compounded with certain stereotypes, magnify the sexual vulnerability of various groups of women of color.
Many survivors experience what is called Rape Trauma Syndrome or RTS. Rape Trauma is characterized by a series of emotions and behaviors that a survivor experiences following rape. The following are three phases of rape trauma:
The purpose of this section is to provide information about survivors and their experiences with sexual violence. This section will cover Rape Trauma Syndrome, common reactions to sexual violence, and sexual violence within underrepresented communities and communities of color. It is designed to help panelists understand unique issues and barriers experienced by survivors, including survivors within underrepresented communities, and why survivors may react in certain ways throughout a hearing process.
Many resources exist within the community and throughout the state that can assist you in this process. Please contact us at SAPAC if you have questions or concerns, or if you need support or assistance.
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