Survivors of sexual abuse deserve safety, healing, and justice. Recently, immigration enforcement agencies have increasingly used sexual violence as a justification to expand operations, instilling fear in communities. This exploitation of trauma discourages vulnerable individuals from reporting violence or seeking help. When survivors fear that asking for assistance may lead to deportation or family separation, it becomes more challenging to support them, empowering perpetrators and making communities less safe.

Survivors face numerous barriers when reporting sexual violence, and for immigrant survivors, these challenges are heightened by language barriers, fear of authorities, economic instability, and isolation from support networks. The looming threat of detention and deportation forces these individuals into an impossible choice between safety and survival.

KCSARC emphasizes that no one recovering from sexual abuse should have to make such a decision. The organization assures survivors, regardless of immigration status, that they are not alone and that its doors remain open. KCSARC offers confidential support, counseling, and resources without judgment or fear, advocating for immigrant communities and calling for an end to violent practices against those they serve. The organization will continue to provide assistance to survivors while expressing solidarity with those participating in the national strike.