It’s time to change the way we deal with sexual assault

Following is a statement from Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of Ohio Immigrant Alliance.

The allegations of sexual abuse carried out by Cesar Chavez are horrific. Farm workers and their families have always been treated with indignity in this country, despite the fact that they literally keep us alive, and businesses in operation. Hearing of abuses committed by one of the movement’s leaders is confusing and devastating.

But the people who matter here are the survivors, and the fact that they are talking about what happened. I’ve met Dolores Huerta several times and she always has been a hero to me. Now, even more so. For her to expose the truth, at 95 years of age, must feel like both a burden and a weight lifting.

The United Farm Workers Foundation issued a statement that begins:

As a women-led organization that exists to empower communities, the allegations about abusive behavior by Cesar Chavez go against everything that we stand for. These disturbing allegations involve inappropriate behavior by Cesar Chavez with young women and minors, they are shocking, indefensible and something we are taking seriously.

Recognizing how serious the allegations are, the UFW Foundation has cancelled all Cesar Chavez Day activities this month.

The full statement includes resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This is what leadership looks like. Not blaming the people speaking out, or minimizing the abusive behavior. Acknowledging reality and recommitting to values. Every person should be safe — at home and school, in the workplace and in our communities. We don’t have real public safety until everyone is included. And “everyone” means women, people of all races and faiths, children, farm workers, and immigrants.

The survivors’ bravery in talking about what happened is inspiring. And the fact that people who were abused are able to speak out shows we are advancing equality. It’s easy to lose perspective on this, given the lack of accountability for people who abused children alongside Jeffrey Epstein. But the Chavez example shows it is true. May this inspire even more survivors of sexual abuse and violence to tell their stories, and for society to embrace them and work on changing the behaviors that harm so many people.