After surviving sexual violence, victim-survivors often feel pressured by others, or even by themselves, to file a report to the police. Survivors are often victim-blamed and not believed when they choose not to report. Sometimes, others even try to suggest that the survivor is responsible if the perpetrator continues to harm others, and survivors may…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“Rape Apologist” is an umbrella term for someone who for someone who blames survivors, has a general disbelief in allegations of assault, and participates in the normalization of sexual violence. They can be any person of any gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, or age. While the term make evoke an image of a particular group…
Far too often, survivors of domestic and/or intimate partner violence hear some variation of the phrase, “Why Didn’t You Leave?” Asking such a question, whether intentional or not, places the blame on the victim-survivor for not leaving sooner, rather than on the perpetrator for being abusive in the first place, which is where it belongs….
Survivors don’t always get the responses they deserve when they disclose. This can be especially true for survivors who do not fit the stereotypical image of a sexual assault survivor, such as male survivors. Hear four courageous men share how people in their lives responded when they disclosed to them, and how they wish they’d…
Hear from male survivors on why they believe it’s so important to make space for boys and men in survivor spaces and the overall movement. The following answers are excerpts from our Male Survivors Panel. Yonah Kohn “How survivors heal from their experiences is going to be different, depending on so many factors. But before…
How we react to disclosures of sexual assault significantly impacts a survivor’s healing process.1 58-94% of survivors seek informal support from a loved one.2 It’s important we learn how to respond to disclosures of sexual assault, as research shows that the way others respond to disclosure can have a great impact on a survivor’s mental…
The way we respond when someone shares with us that they are a survivor of sexual or domestic violence can greatly influence their healing journey. A supportive response can promote healing and strengthen the relationship you have with one another, but an unsupportive response can retraumatize the survivor and have a negative impact on their…
When someone you love has PTSD, or any unresolved trauma, it’s understandable that you want to know how to support them. No one intrinsically knows exactly what their loved one will need when healing from trauma. The best thing you can do is to ask your loved one directly what they’d like to see from…
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