Systemic Racism: A Barrier for Survivor Support

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

Systemic racism refers to the policies, practices, and norms within societal institutions that perpetuate racial inequality and discrimination. Unlike individual racism, which involves personal prejudice, systemic racism operates on a larger scale, impacting communities through socioeconomic inequities, discriminatory laws, and cultural biases. 

For instance, Black survivors may hesitate to report sexual violence due to a well-founded mistrust of law enforcement, rooted in the historical over-policing of Black communities and under-protection of Black women. When Black survivors do report, they are less likely to have their cases taken seriously or pursued aggressively by authorities. Research shows that Black survivors are more likely to encounter skepticism or be stereotyped as “promiscuous” or “angry,” which undermines their credibility in the eyes of law enforcement, medical personnel, and even service providers.

A real-life example of systemic racism influencing sexual violence reporting and access to resources is the case of Daniel Holtzclaw, a former police officer in Oklahoma City. In 2015, Holtzclaw was convicted of sexually assaulting multiple Black women while on duty, specifically targeting them because of their race, socioeconomic status, and criminal history. Holtzclaw preyed on Black women from poor neighborhoods, many of whom had criminal records or histories of substance abuse. He exploited societal stereotypes that made it less likely for these women to be believed if they reported the assaults. This reflects how systemic racism and societal biases enable predators to target marginalized groups. 

Another example of a perpetrator who uses systematic racism to target his victim-survivors is in the case of R. Kelly. Many of the women who came forward to report sexual abuse were Black and faced significant hurdles in being believed or receiving justice. Advocates have pointed out how societal stereotypes about Black women—such as the “strong Black woman” trope or perceptions of hypersexuality—have contributed to delays in holding perpetrators accountable and addressing the survivors’ needs.

Barriers to Reporting

Mistrust in Systems

A significant barrier for victim-survivors of color is the fear that they will not be believed or taken seriously by law enforcement.²  Historical injustices, such as police brutality, racial profiling, and neglect towards communities of color, further exacerbate these fears. Survivors may worry that their cases will be mishandled, that they will face additional discrimination due to their race, or that their interactions with the system will cause more harm than good.

This mistrust is not limited to law enforcement; it extends to the medical and healthcare systems as well. Historical medical abuses, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study⁶ and the forced sterilization of women of color,⁷ have created deep-seated mistrust among marginalized communities. Survivors of color may fear that seeking medical attention after an assault could result in substandard care, exploitation, or further trauma. For example, they might worry that their injuries will not be taken seriously, that they will not be informed about their medical options, or that they will face invasive questioning rooted in racial biases.

Limited Access to Resources

Access to support services, such as counseling and legal assistance, can be limited for people of color. Many victim-survivors find that resources within their communities are inadequate, underfunded, and culturally insensitive. Language barriers, stigma, and cultural taboos surrounding sexual violence can also prevent individuals from seeking help.³ Further, systemic issues such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare can compound these challenges, leaving victim-survivors without critical support.^3-4 Seeking therapy can play a crucial role in providing victim-survivors with the tools to navigate their trauma, build resilience, and regain a sense of control; however, access to culturally competent and affordable mental health services remains a significant challenge for many marginalized communities. Additionally, rape crisis centers or counseling services in predominantly Black or underserved neighborhoods may be underfunded, understaffed, or inaccessible due to transportation and financial barriers. These systemic inequities compound the trauma experienced by Black survivors and perpetuate cycles of marginalization and silence around sexual violence in communities of color.

Cultural Competency in Support Services

Another barrier arises from the lack of cultural competency in support services. Many institutions, including hospitals and shelters, may not fully understand the cultural context or specific needs of survivors from diverse backgrounds.³ This lack of understanding can result in victim-blaming, insensitivity, or a failure to address the unique experiences of survivors of color. Such experiences can discourage individuals from pursuing the help they need, further perpetuating a cycle of trauma.⁴

Intersectionality and Victimization

The intersectionality of race and gender plays a crucial role in the experience of sexual violence. Women of color, for example, face compounded discrimination based on both race and gender, which can heighten their vulnerability to sexual violence.⁵  Further, studies show that trans folks, particularly those who are Black and transgender, are more likely to face physical and sexual violence compared to their white cisgender counterparts. This violence is often compounded by societal attitudes that marginalize trans bodies, making them targets for exploitation.⁷ When a survivor is has multiple marginalized identities, it can be difficult for them to find culturally co

Addressing the systemic barriers to support for victim-survivors of sexual violence is essential. Systemic racism not only perpetuates the occurrence of sexual violence but also creates significant barriers to support victim-survivors from marginalized communities. By acknowledging these barriers and working towards solutions to mitigate barriers, we can take meaningful steps to ensure that all victim-survivors have access to the resources and support they need to heal and seek justice. Addressing these systemic issues is a matter of equity and equality for marginalized victim-survivors. It is crucial to challenge the narratives that silence marginalized voices and advocate for systemic change that prioritizes victim-survivors who experience systemic racism.