Healing from sexual assault is a long, emotionally-taxing process. For many survivors, the most difficult part of the process is not moving forward from the experience, but rather overcoming personal barriers.
A large number of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour survivors who share their stories of sexual assault are subject to judgment, as it is likely that some family members and community members would view the situation through a traditional cultural lens.
Due to intergenerational trauma, conversations around sexual violence have been stigmatized in many cultural groups.
In addition, if the perpetrator happens to be a man, people may approach the situation with patriarchal opinions and excuse his wrongdoings.
Targeted by misogyny and racism, Black, Indigenous and Women of Colour have to endure the struggles of intersectional marginalization, therefore complicating the healing process even more.
Members of marginalized communities are more vulnerable to discrimination and internalized prejudice. Therefore, it is critical for adequate mental health support for survivors (of all identities!) to be accessible.
However, many Black, Indigenous and People of Colour struggle to find mental health professionals that are informed about their cultural circumstances and take them into consideration.
In a 2018 study conducted by the American Psychological Association, it is revealed that 84% of the psychology workforce is white.
Fortunately, the mental health workforce has gradually been diversifying over time.
The lack of BIPOC representation in the mental health field is a significant factor that deters BIPOC survivors from reaching out for help. With BIPOC people being affected by mental health barriers at a disproportionate rate, it is crucial for the mental health field to represent and attend to the needs of these communities.
Another obstacle that many survivors of colour have to navigate is the lack of safety within the justice system.
For example, in a 2003 report published by the National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, it is revealed that “for every Black woman who reports rape, at least 15 Black women do not report.”
Unfortunately, these numbers are still relevant, as Black women are still hesitant to voice their concerns, as they continue to face the effects of systemic and institutional racism.
Numerous studies have reported that BIPOC people, particularly misogyny-affected people, are more targeted by sexual violence than their white counterparts.
When engaging in conversations around sexual violence, it is necessary to center and amplify the voices of BIPOC survivors, whose experiences are often dismissed in the movement against gender-based violence.
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