by Kat Matamoros, Program Intern
Sexual violence is a serious issue everywhere, and rural communities face some unique challenges in preventing it. Prevention means stopping harm before it happens through education, awareness, deterrence, and change. However, limited resources in rural areas make it harder for survivors to access help and for communities to address the issue effectively.
One of the biggest challenges is that rural areas often have fewer resources or resources are more geographically spread out. Survivors may need to travel long distances to have access to these services. Limited access to transportation and insufficient internet services can make reaching help more difficult (Gillis, 2024).
Cultural factors also play a role. In small towns, survivors may be afraid to speak out because they worry their neighbors will find out. The fear of being blamed or facing retaliation can keep survivors silent. Studies show that survivors in rural areas often experience more community stigma and fewer support networks than those in urban areas (Gillis, 2024).
Economic issues are another challenge. Survivors in rural areas may struggle financially. This can make rural residents more dependent on the person causing harm and make it harder to leave unsafe situations. There may also be fewer job opportunities and affordable housing which make it harder for survivors to leave (Rural Health Information Hub. 2025).
Successful prevention efforts involve empowering local leaders, creating places where survivors can feel safe and supported, continuing deterrence, and addressing bigger issues like poverty that can make violence more likely (NSVRC, 2021). Teaching people about healthy relationships, respect, and consent can start in schools, workplaces, and community events. This helps create a culture where people know how to treat each other with kindness and respect. It is also important to create spaces where survivors can heal. Local groups and communities can create peer support groups and programs where survivors help each other through the healing process. Building strong, supportive networks of people in the community allows survivors the opportunity to seek support from others when in need.
Technology can also be useful when overcoming rural barriers. Online services like counseling, hotlines, and telehealth can help survivors get support without having to travel long distances. Mobile support teams can visit rural communities to bring resources directly to people who need it. Online directories that list local services can assist survivors in locating local services such as healthcare, crisis intervention, and mental health support.
To prevent sexual violence, it is necessary for everyone in the community to work together. Local organizations, state agencies, healthcare providers, law enforcement, schools, community-based organizations, and community leaders can work together to ensure all people have access to the resources they need. Everyone in the community has a role to play. There are many different opportunities for individuals and groups to prevent sexual violence, such as volunteering with local organizations, attending workshops and training sessions on sexual violence prevention topics (like recognizing signs of abuse), or participating in sexual violence outreach events. Those who participate can also encourage others to get involved.
By addressing the unique challenges rural communities face we can work to stop violence before it happens. Education, awareness, deterrence, support services, and working together as a community are all necessary. With ongoing investment and strong partnerships, we can create safer, more supportive environments where everyone is respected and protected.
References
Gillis, K. (2024). “Rural Areas Increase Risk for Intimate Partner Violence Victims.” Psychology Today. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from here.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (2021). “What are rape crisis centers and how have they changed over the years?” Retrieved April 14, 2025, from here.
Rural Health Information Hub. (2025). “Violence and Abuse in Rural America.” Retrieved April 22, 2025, from here.
