Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of African American individuals and communities. At BARCC, we acknowledge that Black survivors of sexual violence have faced unique challenges throughout history, including systemic racism, barriers to justice, and limited access to support services. This month, we reaffirm our commitment to uplifting Black voices in the movement to end sexual violence.
Celebrating Black Advocates
How do you celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth? During Black History Month, BARCC honors the many Black activists, scholars, and community leaders who have fought for justice and survivor-centered support. We recognize the invaluable work of:
- Tarana Burke: founded the #MeToo movement in 2006, which empowered millions of survivors worldwide and shed light on the epidemic of sexual violence and created a community of survivors around the world.
- Anita Hill: testified before an all-white, all-male Senate Judiciary Committee about the sexual harassment she faced from then-nominee Clarence Thomas. Her brave testimony paved the way for other survivors to speak out against workplace abuse and led to new legislation protecting the rights of people who have experienced harassment.
- Angela Davis: has long spoken about the connections between racial justice, gender violence, and the prison-industrial complex.
Their work continues to inspire a future where all survivors receive the validation, care, and justice they deserve.
The Intersection of Race and Sexual Violence
Historically, Black survivors have often been silenced, disbelieved, or criminalized while seeking support and justice. Black women face a higher risk of sexual violence, with nearly 1 in 5 experiencing rape and 41% encountering sexual coercion or other forms of unwanted sexual contact. Studies show that Black survivors are less likely to report sexual violence due to distrust of law enforcement, fear of victimization and cultural stigmas around discussing sexual trauma.
Our Commitment
At BARCC, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive environment for all survivors. We continue to offer free and confidential support services, including a 24-hour hotline, counselling and legal advocacy. We continue to advocate for policy changes that ensure racial equity in survivor services and the criminal justice system.
For more information on how BARCC supports survivors, visit our website or contact our 24-hour hotline for confidential support.
