News
Breaking the "One-Size-Fits-All" Narrative in Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention
April 01, 2025
One in five people will experience a sexual assault in their lifetime, according to the National Sexual Violence Research Center. Although women disproportionately experience sexual assault (81%), it proves to be a widespread issue that effects people of all genders, races, sexual orientations, and abilities.
Centering the dominant narrative of sexual violence on cisgender, heterosexual women overlooks the unique experiences of minority populations, creating gaps in visibility and support for many survivors. The reality is that sexual violence does not look the same for everyone, and different communities experience it in unique ways. When we fail to acknowledge the diverse realities of survivors, we also fail to provide effective prevention strategies, resources, and support systems. Representation matters because it ensures that all survivors feel seen, believed, and supported. The following groups experience sexual violence at alarming, yet underrepresented rates, creating the false impression that they are less affected by sexual violence, when in reality, they often face even greater barriers to reporting and healing.
Men and Male Survivors
Societal stigma and harmful stereotypes about masculinity make it difficult for male survivors to come forward, even though 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Many fear they won’t be believed or that their experience will be minimized, due to the misconception that men should be “strong” or “dominant,” leading some to question whether what happened to them “counts” as sexual assault. An overall lack of inclusive support services compounds the challenges male survivors face. Many crisis centers and hotlines are designed for female survivors, making it difficult for men to find male-specific or male-supported shelters and support groups. Unfortunately, these gaps lead to long-term mental health consequences, with male survivors at greater risk of depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and suicide.
LGBTQ+ Individuals
A recent study by the Williams Institute found that LGBTQ+ people are nearly four times more likely than non-LGBTQ+ people to experience violence, including rape, sexual assault, and aggravated or simple assault. Sexual violence against LGBTQ+ individuals is often underreported due to fear of discrimination, lack of inclusive support systems, or concerns about being outed. Many survivors worry that reporting their sexual assault may expose their sexual orientation or gender identity in unsafe environments. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ survivors experience a lack of inclusive services, potentially exposing themselves to hostile or discriminatory responses from law enforcement, medical providers, or crisis support centers.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Communities
The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) found that more than 1 in 3 Indigenous women and 1 in 4 Black women experience rape in their lifetime, with Indigenous women facing rates of sexual violence more than twice the national average. Similarly, 48% of Latina survivors report experiencing sexual violence before the age of 18. Despite these high rates, systemic racism and cultural stigmas discourage many BIPOC survivors from seeking justice. Black survivors often face higher rates of victim-blaming, with law enforcement and medical professionals being more likely to question their credibility or minimize their experience. Additionally, language barriers, fear of legal retaliation, and an overall distrust of institutions that have historically failed them deter BIPOC survivors from seeking help and receiving adequate support.
Disabled People
Disabled individuals are three times more likely to experience sexual violence than non-disabled individuals. Deemed the “silent population,” they are often targeted due to reliance on caregivers or barriers to communication, resources, and accessible reporting systems. Perpetrators may exploit a survivor’s disability to assert control, such as withholding mobility aids, medication, or access to assistance. Additionally, many support services and law enforcement agencies lack the training and resources to accommodate disabled survivors, further discouraging reporting and access to justice.
How to improve representation in prevention and support efforts:
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Use inclusive imagery and messaging – feature diverse voices, faces, and experiences, with examples relevant people of all backgrounds.
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Tailor education to different communities – address resources, training, and outreach in a culturally relevant manner.
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Train Law Enforcement, Healthcare, and Support Professionals in Intersectional, Trauma-Informed Care.
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Expand accessibility efforts in support services and prevention outreach – offer materials in a variety of languages and formats. Extend outreach beyond traditional spaces into underserved communities.
Resources for Support:
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On-Campus Resources
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Victim and Survivor Advocate - nonjudgmental, confidential support to victim/survivors of gender-based violence
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Office of Civil Rights and Title IX - Assistance for students or staff who have experienced, witnessed, or been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or misconduct (including sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, bullying, endangerment, hazing, and retaliation)
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GVSU Police Dept - Will talk through reporting options or assist you in filing a police report
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University Counseling Center - Counseling and mental health support for students free of charge
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Additional Resources
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Domestic Violence Hotline - essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence
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RAINN - Resources for Survivors of Stalking/Cyberstalking
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Resilience Hotline - 24/7 support for sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking
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YWCA West Central Michigan (Grand Rapids) - Support for individuals who experience intimate partner violence or sexual assault