An Intersectional Approach to Reducing Barriers for Survivors
The Interim Guideline for Responding to Sexual Violence recognizes that anyone can experience sexual violence. However, individuals may encounter increased vulnerabilities based on intersectional aspects of their identity or perceived identity including such factors as race, economic status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, language, physical or mental ability, and/or immigration status. Survivors also experience many barriers to disclosing, reporting, and/or seeking support; barriers can differ based on the lived experience of the survivor.