Ending sexual violence means tackling all forms of oppression that hold people back. Underserved groups—like people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals, gender non-conforming people, those with disabilities, incarcerated individuals, elders, and youth—often face unique challenges when seeking support. These barriers can leave them underserved by organizations and systems meant to help them.
MCASA is here to help. We offer trainings to support professionals in serving all survivors with care and respect.
Want to learn more? Contact us at [email protected] or complete our training request form.
Many marginalized individuals face healthcare environments that are not culturally or trauma informed. Providers may hold biases or lack training in addressing the needs of underserved communities, such as BIPOC or LGBTQ+ individuals.
Fear of judgment, stigma around sexual health, or discrimination based on race, disability, or gender identity discourages many from seeking care.
Lack of affordable healthcare and insurance coverage remains a significant barrier, particularly for low-income populations.
Lack of affordable healthcare and insurance coverage remains a significant barrier, particularly for low-income populations.
Non-English speakers or individuals with limited health literacy often struggle to navigate healthcare systems and comprehend critical information.
Historical medical abuse (for example, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study) has created deep mistrust within certain communities, particularly among African Americans.
Differences in health outcomes and access to care among populations, often due to systemic inequities
An approach that recognizes the presence of trauma in patients' lives and seeks to avoid re-traumatization by offering empathetic and informed care
A framework that examines how overlapping social identities (for example, race, gender, socioeconomic status) compound experiences of discrimination or privilege
The right of individuals to have or not have children and parent in safe and supportive environments, focusing on structural inequality
The ability to access, understand, and use information to make informed health decisions
Economic and social conditions that influence individual and group health outcomes, including education, income, and living environments
