The History of African American Woman and Sexual Violence
STAR Counseling Director, Asha Gibson, LPC, NCC
Stereotypes, discrimination, bias, misrepresentation, and misogynoir are the main constructs that contribute to the sexual violence experienced among African American women. Dating back to slavery, African American women at the start of their developmental stages were hypersexualized. This destructive concept was used by their perpetrators to justify their sexual violent behavior toward African American women. Today, African American women continue to be dehumanized by the hypersexualized scope that society continues to uphold.
Sexual violence experienced amongst African American women have statistically proven to be the most unaddressed and underreported crime. When African American women report their experience of sexual violence, they are also the most dismissed, questioned, and unbelieved. According to a recent study, perpetrators found guilty of committing sexually violent crimes against African American women have been proven to receive a shorter sentence than a perpetrator found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman of Caucasian decent. This communicates a harmful message that African American women’s experience of violence and trauma does not deserve care, attention, or support compared to women of other races. The silencing and dismissal of African American women and their experiences has significantly impacted if they report and how they hold their perpetrators accountable.
Statistics show that out of 4 African American women, 1 will experience sexual violence before the age of 18 with 40–60% of African American women reporting being subjected to a sexually violent crime before turning 18. Out of 5 African American women, 1 is a survivor of sexual violence. According to the American Psychological Association, out of survivors who reported, statistics show that 35% of African American women will experience a sexual violent crime throughout their lifetime. Out of 15 African American women who experience sexual violence only 1 will report the crime to the law enforcement. Compared to their white counterparts, African American women are twice as likely to be killed by their perpetrators.
With the oppressive and violent history between law enforcement, the legal system, and the Black community, African American women do not trust that the system will protect them. In alliance with that, African American women are not provided adequate resources to effectively manage the trauma associated with their experience of sexual violence. When minor survivors within the Black community display behavioral responses that are associated with their sexual trauma, they are likely to receive a harsher punishment than white survivors of sexual violence. African American minors who are survivors of a sexual violent crime are often dismissed from their academic programs or institutions due to inadequate knowledge and resources in place to effectively assist them.
There are several ways to effectively assist African American survivors of sexual violence. Increasing knowledge and awareness can be effective in developing measures to eliminate the barriers between African American survivors of sexual violence and effective trauma-informed care. Advocating within school systems is another way to effectively address the barriers that prevent African American survivors from receiving adequate care and support. Another way is becoming involved. Supporting and donating to organizations centered in the care and healing of African American survivors would be beneficial in the development and provision of adequate care.
Asha Gibson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Asha received her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Science, with a concentration in Child, Family, and Social Service, from Nicholls State University in 2012. In 2015, she received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern University and A&M College. Asha will receive her Doctorate degree in Human Services Administration from Nova Southeastern University in 2022. Asha’s passion for mental and emotional wellness has led her to be a part of the healing journey for many individuals within various settings. Asha has experience working with individuals receiving care from inpatient and outpatient behavioral health hospitals, individuals receiving care from community rehabilitation agencies, students within the K-12 school systems, and students within higher education communities. Within her role at STAR, Asha’s goal is to support survivors by creating a space for them to feel safe and empowering them along their journey to healing.
