This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
Sexual Violence in Immigrant Communities: A Double Tragedy ¶
Published on June 24, 2020
South Sudanese immigrant girls and young women are facing a double tragedy of sexual violence and impunity in diaspora communities in the US, Canada, and Australia. The testimonies of these survivors reveal a sense of emotional relief from sharing their experiences, as well as a desire to expose and shame perpetrators who often operate with impunity.
However, the justice system in these countries is often out of reach for these immigrant young women, partly due to systemic racism and prejudice. This has led to a situation where communities and families are reluctant to support their daughters, feeling ashamed by what has happened to their loved ones.
As a parent to girls, the author of this article wants to support these young women in their quest for justice. However, they also raise questions about the believability of some of these 'victims' and the responsibility that comes with being a victim of sexual assault.
The article highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing sexual violence in immigrant communities. It suggests that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of this problem, including the dislocation of immigrant communities from their cultural context and the failure of parenting in these communities.
The author also notes that the 'Me Too' movement has been effective in bringing down influential figures in Western society, but this may not be applicable to the South Sudanese context. They argue that a more effective solution would be to adopt a more holistic approach that addresses the cultural and social factors contributing to sexual violence in immigrant communities.
