The Amish are a group of traditionalist Anabaptist Christian church fellowships who believe that a simple life characterized by discipline, dedication, and humility is God’s vision, and honoring this lifestyle is seen as a religious practice.1-3 They exist in tight-knit communities and make most of their living through farming and other pre-industrial methods. The Amish…
Everyone knows a survivor, whether or not they are aware of it. Research demonstrates that at least 54% of women, 44% of men, and 47% of transgender/gender non-conforming individuals have experienced contact sexual violence in their lifetime.1,2 Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to informally disclose to a loved one than file a formal…
Far too often, issues of sexual, domestic, and intimate partner violence are portrayed as solely a woman’s problem. In reality, people of all genders experience violence, and all of them deserve to be believed when they disclose and receive equal access to resources. However, many resources are still solely centered around women and children, leaving…
Sexual violence is an umbrella term for any kind of non-consensual sexual contact, behavior, or aggression. While often used interchangeably with the term sexual assault, sexual violence is a term that covers all sexually aggressive acts, including but expanding upon acts of sexual assault. Sexual Violence is First and Foremost Violence A more accurate term…
Experiencing assault is a traumatic event that can trigger intense and instinctive reactions in the body. These reactions are commonly known as the fight or flight response. However, there are two more reactions that often get overlooked, known as “freeze” and “fawn.” Understanding these responses is crucial for survivors and those who support them, as…
Peer pressure is a feeling that one must do the same things as other people of one’s age and social group in order to be liked or respected by them. The influence of peers can be direct, such as being coerced into doing something, or indirect, such as hearing the way peers talk about a…
What is intersectionality? 1-4 Intersectionality is a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a prominent Black feminist scholar and civil rights activist. She defines intersectionality as, as “a metaphor for understanding the ways that multiple forms of inequality or disadvantage sometimes compound themselves and create obstacles that often are not understood among conventional ways of thinking.”…
In the aftermath of sexual violence and assault, the emotional and psychological impact can feel overwhelming. Survivors often face a complex mix of feelings and reactions that may be out of character. Reactions such as hyperarousal and hypervigilance are common experiences and are symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. 1-3 This contributes to misconceptions and…
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…
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