They came from across Los Angeles and as far as Orange County to air their trauma of sexual abuse and gender-based violence, triggered recently by allegations that labor leader César Chávez sexually abused women in the 1970s.
Nearly all Latinas, the women embraced, shared tears, exchanged numbers and made plans to check on each other.
“With all of the truth that has come to light in terms of sexual assault survivors sharing stories, we feel like there’s a very big shift that’s happening,” said Xochitl Palomera of WOC Sister Collective. “It can bring up a lot of things for us. It can trigger us.”
This was how a forum centering survivors of sexual abuse played out Tuesday evening at Boyle Heights City Hall. More than 50 people, including a handful of men, filled the community room.
Women told stories of survival and resilience in small breakout sessions. They’re not victims, they said, and their abuse — while it was something they experienced — does not define them. Men formed their own group and focused on how best to listen and show up for survivors. Being there was important to 25-year-old Zacarias Bernal, of Montebello, whose big takeaway was practicing “deep listening when survivors share their story.”
Panelists shared self-care tips to cope with triggers, stressing the importance of nourishing foods, hydration, movement, and spending time in nature. They urged survivors not to isolate themselves.
Dubbed “All Violence Is Public,” the town hall was hosted by Justice for My Sister, a nonprofit that trains women of color, youth and survivors of gender-based violence to make films as a form of healing trauma. The event was grounded in Indigenous practices, starting with a prayer. Copal incense filled the room as women shared testimonies.
Kimberly Bautista, founder and executive director of the group, saw a need for this kind of convening soon after the Chávez news broke last Wednesday.
“When these big crisis moments happen in our community, and survivors come forward, a lot of times we see the outpour of support and we also see the backlash of scrutiny and criticism,” Bautista said. “We see the reason why survivors don’t speak up.”
For Bautista, it’s crucial to address and prevent the culture of patriarchy in social justice spaces. “We create safety within our own communities,” she said.
Safety, Bautista said, requires truth and accountability. Men need to be part of these conversations, she added.
Palomera, who was one of the panelists, urged attendees to be vigilant of red flags and predatory behavior and instances of men violating women’s physical boundaries. She said it’s important to “take notice before it shows up.”
“Sometimes we can get gaslit,” Palomera said.
“When somebody does speak up and shares their intimate information … We need to amplify them, support them, send solidarity,” Palomera said. “The more we bring it out into the open, I think that’s what contributes to that big shift.”
“There’s so much power in coming together, speaking up, and bringing things to light,” Palomera added.
Valeria Espinosa of AF3IRM Los Angeles, a feminist organization, said feminism must be uplifted in social justice organizations and movements. “[Amid] state terror and the ICE raids, we ask, ‘How is this specifically impacting women and children?’” Espinosa said.
“As feminist organizers, we really have a critical lens on who’s being subjected as leaders or faces of movements,” she added. “As we all know, it’s men who are being idolized, propped up … but how is this happening and what standards are we holding men to when we uplift them?”
Panelist Felicia Montes of Mujeres de Maíz spoke about “harnessing [the] power of survivor testimony,” as many women are taking to social media to talk about their own abuse. “To Montes, it’s also crucial to follow up with those putting themselves out there.
“What happens after that person puts the post out? Two months from now, are people still checking in on that person?” Montes said.
Victoria Gomez, who identified as a survivor at the forum, found the news about Chávez triggering, especially as stories of abuse are shared across social media. Gomez was there Tuesday because, “I needed a safe space.”
“Community is what makes me feel best,“ said Gomez, a former volunteer for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Crime Victims Advisory Board. A Boyle Heights community member and a survivor advocate, Gomez wants survivors of sexual assault to know that “you can overcome trauma and violence.”
“There is a world that exists full of peace and love … just because you experienced a piece of the bad in the world doesn’t mean that you’re bad, or you’re dirty, or unwilling to move and overcome that,” she said.
Need support? RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE, or text HOPE to 64673.
