Cesar Chavez allegations highlight why sexual assault survivors often stay silent

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Allegations against labor leader Cesar Chavez are prompting renewed discussion about sexual assault and the complex reasons many survivors choose not to come forward.

The renewed attention a New York Times investigation in which multiple women allege Chavez abused his position of power within the farmworker movement to exploit young girls and women. On Wednesday, UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta came forward alleging Chavez raped her multiple times.

The public reaction has included both support and backlash toward women who have spoken out – a dynamic advocates say reflects longstanding barriers faced by survivors of sexual violence.

Advocates and experts say fear of disbelief, public scrutiny and blame can discourage disclosure, particularly when the accused holds power or public reverence.

“There’s the victim blaming that comes up, around instead of holding the abuser accountable for their actions… their story is minimized,” said Adriana Caldera Boroffice, CEO of YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley.

MORE: Dolores Huerta opens up about Cesar Chavez abuse allegations: ‘It was very hard to keep this’

Janelle White of San Francisco Women Against Rape said those dynamics can be especially painful when the alleged abuser is someone admired or trusted.

“There’s a lot of betrayal, around the issue of sexual assault. Often it’s someone who we respect. And we’re seeing that in this case,” White said. “So having the relationship betrayed in that way, it’s so hard to be able to come to terms with, if you’re a survivor. But it’s also hard for the community to come to terms with.”

One in six U.S. women reported experiencing rape or attempted rape in their lifetime, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. Comparatively, about one in 33 men report the same. More than 80% of women report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or sexual assault in their lifetime, while roughly 40% men report the same.

“When the body and the mind are trying to survive something, it shows up differently in every person,” said Nicol Stolar-Peterson, a California clinical social worker. “Everybody has a different amount of resilience, a different childhood, different coping skills.”

Stolar-Peterson said many survivors do not physically resist during an assault because their bodies are focused on survival rather than fighting back.

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“The body is simply trying to survive the trauma that is occurring. They’re just trying to breathe. They’re just trying to wait for it to be over,” she said. “And they might focus on something else. They might even dissociate if they need to, to try to keep themselves safe.”

That survival response can continue long after an assault ends. Debra Rojas told The New York Times she was 12 years old when Chavez sexually assaulted her and later wrote him a letter expressing gratitude for spending time with her.

Stolar-Peterson said this kind of behavior can be a trauma response rather than consent or approval.

“It shows up in ways that are surprising, which can be to essentially not express, the feelings of fear and instead express feelings of devotion or a feelings of, of attachment or superficial attachment to that person,” she said. “It’s trying to establish some sense of normalcy or some sense of safety that doesn’t actually exist.”

Experts say there is no “right” way to respond to sexual trauma. Advocates stress that listening to survivors, believing them and offering support can play a critical role in healing.