‘No One . . . Saves Black Girls’: Black University Women’s Understanding of Sexual Violence

Abstract

Although research has found that sexual violence is a serious issue on college campuses, the lack of diversity in previous samples calls into question the findings’ generalizability to non-White populations. Consequently, little is known about how Students of Color conceptualize sexual violence. Using an intersectional and phenomenological approach, we examined how Black/African American university women understand sexual violence, as well as their perceptions of cultural barriers to help-seeking and reporting this violence. Seven themes emerged: (a) Historical Legacy of Racialized Trauma Against Black Women, (b) Stereotypes of Hypersexualized Black Women, (c) Silence and Community Protection, (d) Duality of Black Spirituality and/or Religiosity, (e) Racial Injustice and Systemic Barriers to Help-Seeking and Reporting, (f) Stereotypes of Strong Black Women, and (g) Grassroots Healing and Empowerment of Black Communities. We provide recommendations for counselors and university staff to develop culturally grounded campus prevention initiatives for Black women.

A Qualitative Exploration of Jezebel Stereotype Endorsement and Sexual Behaviors Among Black College Women

“…Some of the women discussed personal strategies they used to try and avoid being targeted (not being alone with men in their dorm rooms), while others communicated sociopolitical understandings of how the Jezebel stereotype has been used to systematically justify the exploitation of and violence against Black girls’ and women’s bodies (Lomax, 2018; West, 1995). In all, our findings build on related work highlighting why it is necessary to adopt an intersectional lens in how we theorize and address sexual violence against Black women (Collins, 2004; Donovan, 2011; Zounlome et al, 2019).…”

“…Additionally, society reinforces Black women’s sexual experiences of race and gender marginalization, in that sexual criminal acts committed against White women receive more attention in the media than those committed against Black women (e.g., #MeToo movement, Surviving R. Kelly; T. Johnson, 2017; Sommers, 2016; Zounlome et al, 2019). Our findings suggest that the Jezebel stereotype negates Black women’s sexual agency, as well as their ability to feel closeness and security in intimate partnerships.…”

“…As suggested by Zounlome et al (2019), counselors can provide the space for Black women to acknowledge how race and gender oppression influence constructions of Black women’s sexuality in broader society, and encourage them to embrace their agency in sexual decision-making and seeking sexual pleasure from partners. Counselors who are mindful of the stereotypical portrayals of Black women can help validate clients’ experiences and better prepare them to process their experiences in ways that account for oppressive societal ideologies.…”

“…In regards to prevention and policy implications, organizations that address intimate partner violence and sexual violence can promote more visibility regarding how race informs the history of sexual violence against Black women (i.e., decriminalizing sex work; Sankofa, 2016). These initiatives should prioritize the concerns and challenges voiced by Black women, as suggested by scholars who highlight the importance of culturally grounded community-level sexual violence prevention strategies within Black communities (Cheeseborough et al, 2020; Zounlome et al, 2019). However, these efforts should not focus solely on reducing Black women’s risk of harm or danger in sexual encounters; to properly support Black women’s sexual well-being, we need concomitant public discourse and action on community practices that facilitate Black women’s sexual desire and pleasure free from coercion and risk.…”

Sexual Harassment in the Academy: Harnessing the Growing Labor Movement in Higher Education to Address Sexual Harassment Against Graduate Workers

“…Although many efforts have been made to create equitable environments for campus communities, there are shortcomings. For example, most academic studies of sexual assault survivors on college campuses use mostly white samples, which effectively neglects the experiences of students and graduate workers of color (Zounlome et al, 2019). Little is said about the experiences of graduate workers on college campuses and the vulnerable positions they inhabit as a result of their student-worker-researcher identity.…”