On Thursday, March 14, a 26-year-old man was arraigned for raping a 15-year-old girl at a hotel in Rockland sheltering migrant families, law enforcement authorities said. This case has sparked conversation across the political spectrum as Massachusetts’ dire housing shortages continue to negatively impact survivors of sexual violence, regardless of their immigration status. Isa Woldeguiorguis, Executive Director at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, issued the following statement in response to this issue:
“First, we wish to acknowledge the trauma experienced by this young person. We wish to express to them that they are not alone, that we believe them, and that we hope that they are getting the support that they need. We acknowledge that the media attention is likely compounding the trauma. Please turn to loved ones and supportive communities during this experience.
“We want to redirect the focus here because this case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive problem of sexual violence in our society. Sexual violence is not an isolated occurrence but rather a systemic issue that requires comprehensive and sustained action. We cannot allow ourselves to fall into the trap of blaming individuals or categorizing people seeking to immigrate as inherently dangerous. Instead, we must recognize the underlying factors of sexual violence, such as the tactics of power and control that perpetrators employ and that our culture supports in so many ways. BARCC stands with and supports all survivors of sexual violence, no matter their backgrounds.
“At BARCC, we have met survivors who are fleeing sexual violence and domestic violence in their home countries. We have met those who experience sexual violence during their journeys, and those who face it when they arrive. Factors such as limited social connections, language barriers, economic instability, and uncertain immigration status create an environment where perpetrators can exploit them. As a member of the MIRA Coalition, BARCC wants to emphasize to survivors that our services remain available regardless of immigration status.
“That said, people seeking to immigrate are one of many groups of people who are experiencing this pervasive issue. Sexual violence is prevalent across our communites, with people aged 18–25 experiencing the highest levels. People of color and people with disabilities experience sexual violence at disproportionately high rates. People with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted seven times more than people without disabilities. One in two transgender people are sexually assaulted in their lifetime. The housing crisis exacerbates the risks faced by ALL survivors. Without stable and safe housing, individuals, regardless of their immigration status, are left even more vulnerable to exploitation and harm.
“It is imperative that we prioritize accessible and confidential survivor services, culturally relevant support, and robust education and prevention programs to address the complex issues. Furthermore, we call on all members of our community and beyond to continue acknowledging and challenging the societal norms and structures that perpetuate rape culture and oppression. Cultural messaging of shame and blame surrounding sexual violence only serves to further isolate survivors and inhibit their access to support and empowerment.
“As a community, we must come together to increase access to resources and ensure the safety and stability of all individuals, regardless of their background or immigration status. This includes providing information and resources to newcomers and ensuring that legal protections and safe housing are available to all.
The focus on individual cases, while important for raising awareness, must not overshadow the broader systemic issues at play. We must remain committed to addressing the root causes of sexual violence and creating a society where all individuals can live free from fear and harm.”
If you or someone you know needs support, BARCC is available 24/7 via our hotline 800-841-8371 or online at barcc.org/chat from 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
