Understanding Layers of Abuse During Sexual Assault Awareness Month

As we reflect on Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, folks need to consider the complexity and harshness of intimate partner violence in all its forms. Survivors of violence often face multiple forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and beyond. The layers of abuse make the experience all the more suffocating.

Rather than just discuss and repeat SA statistics, we wanted to share a story of a survivor who endured multi-layered abuse, fought back, and eventually thrived through sheer force of will and the love and support of their community. 

What is Sexual Assault Awareness Month?

Sexual Assault Awareness Month takes place every April as a chance to reflect more deeply on the insidious and pervading issue of sexual assault.

This month, we share survival experiences, connect individuals with necessary resources, and commit to the prevention and reduction of SA worldwide.

How Sexual Abuse is Used to Control Survivors

For the safety of all involved, we’ve removed any identifying details about the individuals in this case.

A recent undocumented survivor client came to DVP seeking help after they entered the country to obtain critical care for their child, who is deaf and needed speech therapy, cochlear implants, and specialty education. Their path to these services was routinely impeded by their abuser, who often barred the survivor from leaving the home and refused to help seek out services despite being much more familiar with the city. Eventually, the survivor managed to escape the abuser and connect with an array of services for their child and themselves, including DVP.

Even after this crucial step, the survivor still had enormous work in front of them to get their child the life-changing resources they deserved. With legal and advocacy assistance from DVP, they presented their case to a judge to ensure Special Immigration Juvenile (SIJS) status for their child and guardianship representation for themselves. 

It was here that the survivor had to retell their experience directly to the judge, and in doing so, revealed the years of sexual assaults and abuse that they endured. They found the courage to tell their story through resources and advocacy support from DVP and partner organizations. It’s a reflection of the power of community, particularly among fellow survivors, in overcoming trauma to help individuals feel empowered to move forward from those experiences.

Overcoming SA on the Path to Freedom and Justice

The judge was deeply moved by the survivor’s affidavit. They noted that the survivor’s retelling of these challenging moments would not be in vain. The child secured SIJS status while the client won full guardianship, paving the way for access to all necessary medical and social services.

The survivor cried tears of joy at the end of the case, finally feeling truly seen by the court for all the hard work they put into finding a safer and better place for themselves and their child. More importantly, their journey as a survivor moved far away from the once helpless place under the abuser’s control. This person’s tireless, unyielding strength and commitment to family give us a story of how some of the most suffocating cases of multi-layered abuse are overcome by devoted community support.

Joining DVP in the Fight for Survivor Justice

More than ever, DVP is ready to fight for our clients, no matter what community they’re from or their immigration status. Our organization provides crucial services supported by community members like you, including:

• Legal protections for undocumented survivors of DV and IPV
• Advocacy for necessary services, housing, and support
• Guidance on immigration protocols and procedures to protect survivors from their abusers and secure safety, liberation, and better lives in the US

Click the link below to support, donate, and volunteer with DVP to help bring our mission to life. Plus, sign up for our weekly newsletter for updates on DVP’s crucial work and more ways to get involved.

Learn more about how you can support survivors and their children to live free of violence and abuse.

Ways to Support