Sexual & Relationship Violence and Marginalized Communities

Marginalized Communities

Marginalized populations are groups or communities that experience discrimination and exclusion because of unequal power relationships across economic, political, social and cultural dimensions. Examples include, but are not limited to women, racial/cultural minorities, LGBTQIA+, the poor or homeless, immigrants, those addicted to substances, those with cognitive and/or physical disabilities or those with mental health issues.

People rarely occupy one zone of marginalization; inequalities tend to intersect. An example of a group that reflect multiple inequalities at work are runaway LGBTQIA+ youth. The intersections of sexual and gender discrimination, youth, poverty and homelessness make these individuals more vulnerable to becoming victims of sexual exploitation.

People from marginalized communities may be at increased risk of becoming targets of sexual violence. Predators often seek their victims while counting on societal blind spots to protect and perpetrate their crimes. The full scope of the problem is difficult to completely quantify. Sexual violence against disenfranchised communities is often greatly underreported.

Know Your Rights

Victims/survivors of sexual and relationship violence among marginalized communities are often impacted by oppression or discrimination they may encounter. Their concerns may be related to the assault itself, but also may relate to their treatment in systems following the assault, from healthcare to legal to criminal justice. Basic rights include:

• Right to receive support from an advocate who can provide help and inform of victim’s rights, options and resources. A victim advocate often acts as a liaison between the victim/survivor and others (i.e., campus departments, law enforcement, criminal justice system, etc.)
• Right to be treated with dignity and respect
• Right to receive affirming and supportive help without bias, prejudice, and discrimination
• Right to ask questions of advocate throughout the process
• Right to be called by your name and pronouns you use
• Right to receive legal advocacy. SRVC hosts a legal advocacy program in collaboration with Legal Aid of Arkansas.

The SRVC provides a trauma-informed and confidential environment for all students

Experienced Barriers

Victims/survivors from marginalized communities often encounter additional barriers to seeking safety, receiving effective assistance, and reporting. Types of barriers that may be experienced include:

• Education – lack of knowledge or understanding of what sexual and relationship violence is
• Stereotypes
• Isolation
• Intimidation
• Threats
• Shame/ Victim Blaming
• Fear of Being Outed
• Poverty/Homelessness
• Language
• Immigration status
• Stigma
• Historical oppression
• Lack of cultural appropriate services
• Lack of prevention and resource services
• Lack of collaboration within the community
• Lack or inconsistent access to smartphones or computers
• Lack of technological skills
• Distrust of law enforcement and the legal system
• Lack of prosecution or conviction