Advocating for sexual assault survivors

One in six American women has been the victim of a rape or attempted rape in their lifetime, but most survivors of sexual violence never report the assault to law enforcement. 

Although the public conversations of the “Me too” movement raised awareness of sexual harassment and rape, advocates in Minnesota say communities still downplay the harm caused by sexual assault, law enforcement can be too slow to respond and victims aren’t given enough support.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about preventing sexual violence, improving services for survivors and why Black women and girls are especially vulnerable to sexual violence. The conversation includes an excerpt from an April 27 conversation with author and sexual assault survivor Roxane Gay.  

Guests: 

• Artika Roller is the executive director of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, a statewide network of organizations working to end sexual violence. 

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.