Did you know that any level of homosexuality, confusion regarding sexual identity and/or being a person of color dramatically increases your odds of being sexually assaulted?
Coulter and colleagues determined transgender individuals were more likely to be sexually assaulted compared to their cisgender counterparts, especially if the individual is also a person of color. A National College Health Assessment revealed black transgender individuals were the most susceptible to sexual violence in comparison to transgender individuals of any other race. And it doesn’t end there.
Cortina and colleagues also found that lesbian and bisexual women were more likely to experience harassment in comparison to straight women. Many of these women were sexually harassed in forms such as misogynistic comments and unsolicited sexual remarks. A lot of these behaviors stem from the fact that bisexual people are characterized as being hypersexual and therefore are pressured into “proving” their bisexuality. However, because this is often portrayed in the media as an attractive quality, the experiences of bisexual individuals are downplayed.
Not only are marginalized communities more likely to be sexually assaulted, but they are also less likely to then report these experiences. In a journal article by Menicke and colleagues, the discrepancies among reporting practices were quite jarring. People of color (POC) and lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals were apprehensive to report to formal agencies after being assaulted in fear of discriminatory or prejudicial beliefs. These same groups of people were also less likely to report their experience to family and friends as well, in fear they would not be supported by these individuals. Unfortunately, most people do not possess the appropriate skills to handle an informal report of sexual violence and therefore end up further discouraging the victim from telling their story.
This problem requires acknowledgment due to the adverse outcomes caused by these experiences. For instance, Cortina and colleagues’ assessment of the detrimental effects of assault on campuses demonstrated that sexual assault victims feel more negatively about the campus climate, which then leads to decreased confidence, poorer concentration and ultimately withdrawal from the institution. The article continues to detail that some of the students even admitted if they could re-do their college experience, they wouldn’t because of how disrespected and dispelled they felt.
Because of this, it is crucial to begin analyzing these discrepancies and developing intervention strategies. While it may be more difficult to reduce these incidents from happening, it is incredibly helpful to at least provide quality resources for the victims and their support circle. For instance, Anita Hill details the cultural shifts that can occur when sexual assault and violence are taken more seriously from institutions of power, such as universities and the government. She continues to detail how we must acknowledge the severity of the problem and create successful interventions where victims are not dismissed or punished for coming forth about their experience.
First, universities should implement resources in which individuals can learn how to provide effective support when confronted with sexual assault or violence disclosure. In doing so, victims of sexual assault or violence can feel more understood and respected after their experience, and increase the likelihood of reporting informally to support circles. Coulter and colleagues also discuss implementing intervention strategies that are catered to the needs of those within marginalized communities, so those additional conflicts regarding racism and/or homo/bi/transphobia are acknowledged as well. In addition, support groups for marginalized individuals who have been sexually assaulted should also be implemented to create spaces in which these individuals feel welcome and affirmed. Lastly, faculty and staff on university campuses should be provided with additional educational training regarding diverse issues in order to be better prepared for conversations with students who have decided to report their experiences.
In order to ignite revolutionary change regarding sexual assault in marginalized identities, both institutions and everyday individuals must be more receptive to acknowledging the tragedies of sexual assault stories and the adversities of marginalized communities. By taking these experiences more seriously, the affected communities will feel encouraged to seek the resources they need in order to properly manage what has occurred. But, this must also be supplemented with additional resources that these individuals can seek in which they feel welcome and comfortable enough to share their story. Until then, we remain a part of the problem at hand.
Jasmine Cuebas is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota’s Department of Psychology.
