Black Quiet Noise: Breaking the Silence on Sexual Assault within the Black Community

abstract:While the issue of racism in the silencing of survivors has been raised, intracultural silence and sexism has been largely ignored, and Black women remain silent survivors of sexual assault in all communities. Although Black women experience sexual assault at alarming rates, they are unlikely to disclose to anyone, report to authorities, or seek help from professional counselors. Racial loyalty and lack of supportive community have been identified as barriers to disclosing and healing from sexual assault. To eliminate those barriers, three convergent pathways for information, advocacy, and support around Black women and body autonomy must be constructed within the Black community. Community leaders and scholars must identify and admonish all acts of sexual abuse, support survivors in finding their voice to heal, and promote the four rules of sexual consent.