Over-representation in the legal system
Participant 2: I guess my thoughts are about the same. You know, I think it's so important that we believe women when they come forward, so that way when women, you know, they have these experiences, they can come forward and not be criticized etc. So it's so important to believe them. But I think the other side is, I just think that being, you know, educated on how there's so much over-representation in the legal system and things like that. I just feel like, you know, if I was to have an allegation against me, then I feel like I'm already one step behind being Black [...]
Facilitator: Yeah, for sure. The over-representation really matters. Obviously, a really good point. I think we're obviously kind of more, demonized, um, by stereotypes, media portrayals and things like that, so it's definitely...
Participant 2: Yeah, just the stereotypes, you know? Like the sexual stereotypes of Black men being aggressive sexually and things like [unclear] in all levels of society, it's just like -. Definitely, like again, this goes back to being aware of your surroundings and how people are perceiving you as Black men in situations where they could proceed differently if you were white.
Recommendations
-
Engage in activities to develop anti-racism as it pertains to sexual violence prevention and response. Apply anti-racist practices in these areas.
-
Consider how a student's identities might affect their expectations and concerns when accessing supports following a sexual assault, or when involved in a sexual assault investigation.
-
Including male students across cultures in discussions of sexual violence, gender stereotypes, and stereotypes of masculinity.
-
Ensure all sexual violence prevention and response education and training opportunities actively deconstruct victim-blaming, rape myths and gender norms. Ensure these sessions take an intersectional approach to understanding sexual violence and supporting victim/survivors.
-
Address concern around wrongful accusations while developing new policies or training materials.
-
Be aware of damaging assumptions about Black and Middle Eastern male sexuality; consider problematizing this form of bias in education and awareness campaigns. In working with students from these demographics in relation to a disclosure or report, demonstrate awareness that such biases exist, and demonstrate intention not to be swayed by such assumptions.