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As the nation prepares for nationwide, state and native elections, racial justice and sexual violence stay two urgent points that have an effect on a overwhelming majority of Americans but appear to get misplaced throughout this season. Over the previous seven years, two of the biggest protest actions drastically impacting the politics and tradition of the nation have addressed the scourge of sexual violence and protracted structural racism, respectively. Whereas it’s typically portrayed as if these are two separate points dwelling in their very own silos, the truth is that they’re profoundly interconnected. Because of this, Black Voters Matter and me too. International are becoming a member of forces to boldly declare that survivor justice is racial justice.
Our collaboration is not only for appearances. We’re combating deeply intertwined struggles for justice, recognizing the significance of addressing sexual violence as a systemic situation that impacts our communities.
Sexual violence is a public well being disaster.
One in 10 youngsters might be impacted by sexual violence. One in each 4 might be a Black woman. Black ladies, who’ve constantly been a strong and decisive voice in electoral politics, are additionally the second largest group of survivors of sexual violence within the nation.
Survivor justice is on the middle of our joint mission. We’re decided to amplify the voices of essentially the most marginalized in our society and construct their political energy. To that extent, it’s important that our organizations are increasing the dialog round sexual violence to incorporate all survivors, and never merely framing the difficulty as a felony situation however as a pervasive social justice matter that impacts people throughout gender, race, sexual orientation and socioeconomic standing. The fact is that sexual violence is a public well being disaster – a most cancers inside our collective physique that has long-lasting results on people and communities, hindering their skill to thrive and take part absolutely in society.
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On the core of survivor justice lies the significance of centering survivors’ wants, experiences and voices. It’s about empowering survivors to be part of the decision-making processes that concern them and guaranteeing their experiences are heard, validated and believed. Our partnership is devoted to supporting survivors by means of survivor-centered approaches, akin to restorative justice practices, trauma-informed care and neighborhood help networks. We advocate for systemic modifications that sort out the foundation causes of violence, champion survivors’ rights and foster a world the place survivors can safely heal and lead of their communities.
One in 10 youngsters might be impacted by sexual violence. One in each 4 might be a Black woman.
On this essential election yr, when the nation is collectively discussing insurance policies that affect our lives, by means of our partnership we’re highlighting the importance of the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), alive in at least 24 states. This system permits survivors of sexual and home violence to offer an alternate tackle in quite a few actions wherein an actual tackle is required, together with voting. The ACP supplies a necessary service by enabling survivors of sexual violence to take part within the electoral course of with out worry of their security being compromised by public information. By safeguarding their privateness, the ACP empowers survivors to train their elementary proper to vote, which is paramount in shaping the insurance policies that may have an effect on their lives and communities.
The partnership between Black Voters Matter and me too. Worldwide in 2024 is a testomony to our unwavering dedication to survivor justice and the very important function it performs within the pursuit of racial justice. Making the case that survivor justice is racial justice shouldn’t be merely a conceptual endeavor; it’s one which should be taken straight into our communities. Black Voters Matter and me too. Worldwide is co-hosting a tour throughout a number of cities discussing these points and listening to voices of survivors and allies, sharing therapeutic instruments, figuring out essential insurance policies, spreading love and constructing energy.
Black Voters Matter and me too. Worldwide are becoming a member of forces to boldly declare that survivor justice is racial justice.
Our name to motion is evident: We should proceed to combat towards systemic oppression and for the rights of survivors to be heard, supported and included within the conversations that form our nation and our lives. Collectively, Black Voters Matter and me too. Worldwide are forging a path towards a extra simply and equitable future for all.
Tarana Burke is the founder and Chief Imaginative and prescient Officer of me too. Worldwide. LaTosha Brown and Cliff Albright are co-founders of Black Voters Matter. Burke, Brown and Albright labored as neighborhood organizers throughout their years in Selma, Alabama.
SEE ALSO:
Unifying Movements: How me too. And Black Voters Matter Advocate For Black Survivors
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