Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across all demographics; however, systemic racism creates unique and significant barriers for marginalized communities seeking support. This article explores the intersection of systemic racism and sexual violence, highlighting the challenges faced by victim-survivors of color and the structural inequalities that exacerbate their situation. Understanding Systemic Racism…
Approximately 15% of the global population has a disability.1 Victim-survivors of sexual violence living with disabilities, invisible and/or visible, often face unique barriers through societal biases, systemic barriers, and a lack of accessible resources. The Marginalization of Disabled Survivors Victim-survivors living with disabilities face disproportionately high rates of sexual violence.2 People with disabilities (PWD) are…
The first months of college before students return home for Thanksgiving break are meant to be an inspiring, formative experience for young people around the country. However, amongst all of the excitement, are also more sexual assaults happening around campus. This period, known as “The Red Zone,” is when 50% of all college sexual assaults…
To victim-blame is to explicitly state or imply that the person who experienced a crime or an act of violence is fully or partially to blame for what happened. Survivors of sexual assault face victim-blaming that is more stigmatizing and silencing than those who are victims of other crimes.1 The intensity of victim-blaming can also…
What is the Bystander Effect? The concept of the bystander effect 1 was popularized by social psychologists in 1964 following the infamous murder of Kitty Genovese. Kitty was brutally attacked outside her apartment in New York City. It was reported that dozens of neighbors either witnessed the attack or heard her cries for help, yet…
A bystander is anyone who witnesses an event/incident happen. Bystanders can observe a variety of situations, ranging from a minor disagreement to serious emergency. Their actions–or inactions– significantly affect the outcome of the situation. Understanding the Bystander 1 The Bystander Effect The bystander effect is a social phenomenon where people do not intervene in a…
Bystander intervention is the act of stepping in to prevent or stop inappropriate, harmful, or dangerous behavior. This approach can make a significant difference in various situations, from stopping bullying to preventing potential assaults. Understanding how to intervene safely and effectively is crucial for creating a safer, more supportive community. Here, we will explore different…
What is “Virginity?” Virginity is referred to as the state of being in which an individual has never had sex. The concept of virginity is inherently tied to the concept of purity, which is a concept seen throughout different religions and cultures. Virginity is a social construct that can sometimes be used to shame others….
What is Purity Culture? In the context of religion, purity refers to a state of moral integrity and cleanliness, and it is often tied to an individual’s worth. Purity culture is a movement widely associated with the white, Evangelical Christian Purity Movement that happened in the United States during the 1990’s. However, aspects of purity…
Every survivor is different, and for some survivors, Halloween may just be another holiday. For others, it may be emotionally activating for a number of reasons. Why might Halloween be difficult for survivors of sexual and domestic violence? Some of the imagery or norms associated with Halloween can be difficult for survivors to manage. It’s…
It can be really difficult when a friend discloses to us that another friend has perpetrated sexual violence. But it’s not our business, right? It’s unfair for our friends to ask us to pick a side, right? Wrong. While that mindset is fine for a conflict between mutual friends, sexual violence is not an interpersonal…
Sexual assault is any kind of non-consensual physical sexual act. It is an umbrella term that itself falls underneath the umbrella of sexual violence. Sexual assault covers a wide range of sexually violent acts that involve physical contact. All sexual assaults are acts of sexual violence, but not all acts of sexual violence are sexual…
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