Sexual Violence: A Serious Public Health Issue

At the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center experience tells us that sexual violence affects people of all genders, ages, races, religions, incomes, abilities, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. Sexual violence is about an offender exerting power and control over someone else—and it is never a survivor's fault. Survivors need and deserve support.

In the United States, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center has reported that more than 43% of women and almost one in four men (24.8%) have experienced some form of contact sexual violence during their lifetime. Before they turn 18 years old, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused. Survivors often know the person who assaulted them and that sexual violence, which is significantly underreported, also takes many forms, including rape or sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse and incest, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and trafficking.

We know from our work that each survivor copes with sexual violence differently. It is important to remember that there is no right way for a survivor to feel, and there is no set timeline for when a survivor should be feeling better. To heal, survivors need to draw on their individual strengths and skills and find what works best for them.

Many survivors do share several common reactions to sexual violence. These reactions, including fear, anger and guilt may be intense at times, and they seemingly go away for a while and then return. We live in a culture that tends to blame victims. But sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. No one deserves to have been raped, even if they drank to excess, dressed in revealing clothing, or consented to other sexual activity, like kissing.

Shadi Johnston, BARCC’s clinical program manager, said, “A survivor has had their power and control taken away from them, and sometimes the best intentioned of folks can come in wanting to save and tell them, ‘This is what you need to do, and this is how you need to do it.’ Instead, listening and offering options is important, because what they need to heal might not be the same as what you need to heal.”

It is with this backdrop in mind, and in celebration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, that we look forward to meeting in person for BARCC’s 2022 Walk for Change, returning on Sunday, April 24, in East Boston. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley will be speaking at the Walk4Change event, as we reunite and come together for a day of healing, hope, and support for survivors and our community.

Each year at the Walk for Change, BARCC presents the Beacon Award to leaders, community organizations, or individuals who are advocating for survivors of sexual violence and working toward sustainable social change. The 2022 recipients are Grace Tulsan, author of the critically acclaimed memoir The Body Papers; and service provider, Saheli. Created by South Asian immigrant women who were passionate about helping domestic violence survivors to rebuild their lives, Saheli has helped thousands of women to reclaim their lives, protect their families, and secure a brighter future.

The Walk for Change raises vital funds to support the free services BARCC provides for 15,000 survivors, their families, loved ones, and community members annually, even as we navigated the uncertainty and difficult challenges of the pandemic.

It is important for survivors to remember, no matter how they are feeling, that they are not alone. If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of these feelings, call BARCC’s 24-7 hotline at 800-841-8371 or request an appointment.