Washington Area Women's Foundation

#AskHer Series: Caring for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Historically, sexual violence has disproportionately affected people of color, especially women and girls. According to studies, 1 in 2 multiracial women, 1 in 3 American-Indian/Alaska-Native women, and 1 in 4 Black women will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime. And this percentage, unfortunately, only accounts for the number of women who report their abuse.

This Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), The Women’s Foundation hosted an honest conversation about sexual violence and the effects it has on its survivors’ overall well-being.

During the webinar, panelists discussed ways in which we can shift and shape the narrative on how our society views sexual violence, discussed barriers that prevent or discourage women, girls, and gender-expansive people of color from reporting their aggressor and receiving support, as well as discussed ways we—as community allies—can take action to create systematic change to end sexual violence while also responding to the needs of its survivors.

The conversation was moderated by Dr. Indira Henard (Executive Director at DC Rape Crisis Center) and featured Dr. Shawn Davis (OB/GYN at a local area practice), Mia Keeys (Director of Government Affairs at Hologic, Inc. and D.C. Commissioner for Women), and Dr. Angela Marshall (President and CEO of Comprehensive Women’s Health, Inc.).

Join us in the fight against sexual violence by making a donation to The Women’s Foundation. Your generous contribution will help fund critical programs and initiatives that raise awareness, provide support to survivors, and create a safer future for women and girls of color.