Authored by Kennedy Jones, Fahrenheit Creative Group Through online movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo, we have watched grief and sadness turn into fearlessness and solidarity. Every day, thousands of Black women are finding the courage to speak out about their past traumas, including sexual assault. But at what cost? With the outpour of testimonials from sexual assault survivors, it is worth exploring whether or not social media is an appropriate or adequate forum for individuals living with the trauma of sexual assault. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions serving Black students should take note of the unique experiences of people of color to ensure the appropriate systems and procedures are in place to create a healthy campus culture and protect survivors of sexual assault from experiencing additional trauma in digital spaces. There is a long history of Black girls and women being over-sexualized and overlooked. According to the Georgetown Law Center report “Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood,” when abuse occurs amongst Black women, they are the least likely to be supported or believed than any other race. The report found adults tend to view Black girls as less innocent and more adult-like than their peers. Oftentimes … Continue reading The Adverse Effects of Sharing Sexual Assault Stories on Social Media