Black women need to be included in the conversation on sexual assault
For every black woman who reports rape, at least 15 black women do not report (Photo by GovernmentZA via Flickr.)
Content Warning: This article discusses rape and sexual assault
On Oct. 10th, I wrote a story on the “Reclaim the Red - Rally for Respect” march, an event which brought awareness to sexual assault happening at the University of Maryland. This year especially has relevance towards sexual assault due to the suspension of Phi Kappa Alpha and President Pines’ comment on whether there is a problem with Greek life.
When I attended the event, I noticed that in terms of crowd demographics, there weren't a lot of Black women among the protesters. I found this interesting and telling of something problematic: how Black women are left out of issues that affect them more than others.
The Department of Justice reported that from 2005-2010, Black women and girls aged 12 and older experienced higher rates of rape and sexual assault when compared to white women and other women of color. The origin of this stems from many issues within and outside the Black community including the adultification of Black girls, misogyny and stereotypes such as the Jezebelle, a hypersexualized Black woman. In a college campus environment, these issues mix with the behavior Greek culture promotes, campus colorism/racism and ‘red zone:’ a time between the start of a school semester and Thanksgiving break where 50% of sexual assault take place.
All of these factors are why President Pines’ comments on Greek life were so disappointing.
When the Diamondback reached out to President Pines on whether there’s an issue with Greek life in relation to sexual assault, Pines said “I don’t think we have a big problem here in Greek life.” While Pines and university administration eventually suspended Phi Kappa Alpha, it doesn’t erase the things he said. Not only is his comment dismissive, it creates an environment that keeps women - especially Black women - from reporting their aggressors. 15 Black women don’t report their rape for every one that does, stemming from an environment of dismissiveness, misogynoir, and the way the criminal justice system handles cases in relation to Black women. All of this and more make it seem like there’s nothing the victim can do.
One way to stop sexual assault from happening is by bringing Black women into the conversation on this issue. Due to the criminalization of Black people, when it comes to sexual assault, we are less believed in our experiences. The blame immediately shifts on us instead of the perpetrator and that needs to stop. The experiences of Black women are invaluable and vital in the effort to stop sexual assault from happening. In addition, there needs to be an environment free from the racism that can come with predominantly white-led efforts against sexual assault. I don’t have all the answers, but I know that to combat issues like these all seats must be open at the table.
The University of Maryland’s CARE to Stop Violence crisis line can be reached at (301) 741-3442. The university’s counseling center can be reached at (301) 314-7651. Individuals can file sexual misconduct or discrimination reports through the university’s Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct.