Center Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)

In order to address racism and oppression in our work, we must center the voices and experiences of BIPOC. When we center those most marginalized, not only do we overcome barriers for survivors, we also improve responses for all survivors. BIPOC are disproportionately impacted by sexual assault (SA) and domestic violence (DV). This includes facing unique barriers to reporting and seeking services after experiencing violence. Centering BIPOC will also help address racism that is specifically targeted towards Black people, negatively impacting survivors and advocates alike.

Anti-Blackness is a targeted form of racism directed at Black people rooted in the U.S. history of slavery. This is the foundation of white supremacy. Although slavery ended 150 years ago in practice, the impact of this mass violence remains present in U.S. social and cultural mindsets, in individuals’ implicit biases, and in formalized structural political and economic power systems. The devastating impacts of anti-Black racism are far reaching, and include disproportionate incarceration rates, adverse health outcomes, and segregation in schools and housing.

Much of BIPOC-focused program work has been under or unfunded

The DV and SA movements are not exempt from the legacy and presence of racism and it must meaningfully address its impact in all we do. Many BIPOC-focused programs have been left out of funding opportunities, meaning much of their work has been under or unfunded. Instead, “mainstream” programs have used BIPOC communities to access funding and then failed to meet the needs of these communities. Additionally, BIPOC advocates and leaders continue to experience racism not only in their communities but also in mainstream programs. This has led to the push-out of far too many BIPOC advocates from “mainstream” DV and SA programs. This staff turnover negatively impacts BIPOC survivors. When we center BIPOC survivors, and staff, everyone benefits. Because when we are able to reach those most marginalized, the services for all survivors are enhanced.