What does recognizing intersectionality help us understand about sexual violence?

Recognizing intersectionality helps us understand that individuals have multiple, intersecting identities that influence their experiences with sexual violence. This concept acknowledges that factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability can shape how someone experiences victimization, as well as how society responds to that victimization. By understanding intersectionality, we can see that sexual violence does not affect all individuals uniformly; rather, different identities can lead to varied vulnerabilities, risks, and experiences of support or lack thereof. This nuanced understanding is essential in developing effective prevention strategies and response mechanisms that take into account the diverse realities of individuals affected by sexual violence.