Intersecting Injustice: Rape Culture and Its Impact on Marginalized Youth Identities

Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

The Initiative Colorado

First Presenter’s Email Address

margaux@theinitiativeco.org

First Presenter's Brief Biography

Margaux is the Sexual Assault Coalition Program Manager at The Initiative, where they lead efforts to address sexual assault at the intersection of marginalized youth, focusing on LGBTQIA+ and disabled populations. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and the principle of "nothing for us without us," Margaux ensures that the voices of those most affected by sexual violence are central to the work being done. As a passionate advocate and leader, Margaux brings a wealth of experience in inclusive leadership, trauma-informed care, community engagement, youth advocacy, and policy development. They are dedicated to creating and sustaining inclusive support systems that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of all survivors.

Submitter

I am submitting this proposal as one of the presenter(s)

Location

Plimsoll

Strand #1

Hands: Safety & Violence Prevention

Strand #2

Heart: Social & Emotional Skills

Relevance

  • This presentation directly addresses the "Hands" strand by focusing on the collective complicity of learned behavior regarding rape culture and its role in perpetuating youth sexual violence. By examining how these harmful behaviors are normalized and inherited, this work contributes to the prevention of violence and the promotion of safety among youth. The presentation aims to raise awareness and provide insights that can promote the development of strategies to create safer environments for all youth.

  • The "Heart" strand is also relevant because this presentation touches on the social and emotional aspects of how rape culture is internalized by youth. A better understanding of the pervasive ideologies that allow rape culture to thrive can lead to the development of interventions that foster healthier relationships, empathy, and respect among young people. By challenging harmful norms, this presentation contributes to improving the social and emotional well-being of youth.

Brief Program Description

Explore how rape culture is internalized among youth and its unique impact on marginalized identities, including youth who are LGBTQIA+ and or disabled. This presentation examines the mechanisms and tacit agreements that perpetuate sexual violence and offers strategies for prevention and support, focusing on creating safer and more inclusive environments for all young people.

Summary

This presentation, "Intersecting Injustice: Rape Culture and Its Impact on Marginalized Youth Identities," delves into the critical issue of rape culture and its disproportionate effects on marginalized youth, specifically those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or disabled. Rape culture, characterized by the normalization of sexual violence and harmful societal attitudes towards consent, affects all youth; however, its impact is magnified within marginalized communities due to compounded vulnerabilities and systemic discrimination.

The presentation will explore how rape culture is socially constructed and perpetuated among youth through various channels, including mass media, peer interactions, and institutional norms such as dress gendered dress codes. It will examine how these cultural norms are internalized and the unique ways they affect LGBTQIA+ and disabled youth. These groups often face heightened risks of sexual violence due to a combination of social stigma, physical vulnerabilities, and gaps in support systems.

Key objectives include understanding the mechanisms through which rape culture is perpetuated and identifying its specific impact on marginalized youth identities. The presentation will highlight research on the increased risk of sexual violence among LGBTQIA+ and disabled youth, including studies on the prevalence of these issues and the societal factors that exacerbate them.

Participants will also explore effective prevention strategies and interventions aimed at disrupting the cycle of rape culture. This includes trauma-informed care practices and inclusive educational approaches designed to create safer and more supportive environments for all youth. The presentation will emphasize the importance of engaging families, communities, and institutions in these efforts to promote a holistic approach to preventing sexual violence and supporting marginalized youth.

By addressing both the ideological and material aspects of rape culture's intersection with marginalized identities, this presentation aims to provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for educators, advocates, and policymakers committed to fostering safer and more inclusive spaces for youth.

Evidence

1. Research on Rape Culture and Youth

  • "Rape Culture and its Impact on Youth: Understanding the Mechanisms of Perpetuation"

Bohner, G., Eyssel, F., Pina, A., Siebler, F., & Viki, G. T. (2009). Aggression and Violent Behavior.

  • "Sexual Violence in Youth: Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies"

Edwards, K. M., Turchik, J. A., Dardis, C. M., Reynolds, N., & Gidycz, C. A. (2011). Sex Roles.

2. Intersectionality and Increased Vulnerability for Marginalized Youth

  • "Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color

Crenshaw, K. (1991). Stanford Law Review.

  • "Disability and Sexual Violence: Understanding the Vulnerabilities and Risks"

Hughes, K., Bellis, M. A., Jones, L., Wood, S., Bates, G., Eckley, L., McCoy, E., Mikton, C., Shakespeare, T., & Officer, A. (2012). Lancet.

3. LGBTQIA+ Youth and Rape Culture

  • "The 2019 National School Climate Survey: The Experiences of LGBTQ Youth in Our Nation’s Schools"

Kosciw, J. G., Greytak, E. A., Zongrone, A. D., Clark, C. M., & Truong, N. L. (2021). GLSEN.

  • “Sexual Victimization Among LGBT Youth: Prevalence and Correlates"

Mustanski, B., Newcomb, M. E., & Garofalo, R. (2011). Journal of Adolescent Health.

4. Disabled Youth and Risk Factors

  • "Sexual Violence and Individuals with Disabilities: A Fact Sheet"

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC, 2011).

  • "The Relationship Between Disability and Sexual Violence: An Overview of Evidence"

Martin, S. L., et al. (2006). American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Learning Objective 1

Understand Rape Culture

Learning Objective 2

Identify Socialization Mechanisms

Learning Objective 3

Apply Trauma-Informed Intersectional Approaches to Youth Sexual Violence Prevention

Keyword Descriptors

Rape Culture, Youth Sexual Violence, Socialization, Prevention, Safety, Trauma-Informed, Cultural Norms

Presentation Year

2025

Start Date

3-3-2025 10:15 AM

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Mar 3rd, 10:15 AM

Intersecting Injustice: Rape Culture and Its Impact on Marginalized Youth Identities

Plimsoll

Explore how rape culture is internalized among youth and its unique impact on marginalized identities, including youth who are LGBTQIA+ and or disabled. This presentation examines the mechanisms and tacit agreements that perpetuate sexual violence and offers strategies for prevention and support, focusing on creating safer and more inclusive environments for all young people.