FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Sexual assault service providers in Fresno say more people are reaching out for help following allegations of abuse involving Cesar Chavez.<\/p>\n
Accusations against the late farm labor leader surfaced last week and advocates say sexual abuse survivors are now grappling with the emotional fallout.<\/p>\n
Services that provide support to victims say the allegations involving Chavez are just the most recent in a string of highly publicized sexual abuse scandals, prompting people to seek support.<\/p>\n
From the ongoing fallout surrounding Jeffrey Epstein to Central Valley teachers recently accused or convicted of sexual crimes against children, experts say conversations around sexual abuse are becoming more open.<\/p>\n
“Whenever there’s a disclosure, especially such a public disclosure like this, you know, triggers can come from it,” said Raquel Garcia, the programs director at RCS Fresno.<\/p>\n
Last, many praised Dolores Huerta for coming forward, saying she herself was a victim of Chavez.<\/p>\n
“She remains a matriarch of our Latino community. And when the matriarch, or how can I describe in affectionately, when the Abuelita sits you down at the dinner table and tells you the truth about what happened back in the days, we have a responsibility to listen, and to act,” said Fresno City Councilmember for District 3 Miguel Arias.<\/p>\n
But with Huerta speaking publicly at 95-years-old, decades after the fact, some questioned why it took so long.<\/p>\n
Experts who work with survivors say there is no correct timeline for coming forward.<\/p>\n
“Regardless of how long someone took to say anything, regardless of if they didn’t say back when, you know, something happened. It’s when they’re ready, they’re gonna say it,” said Garcia.<\/p>\n
Garcia says Huerta’s statement has already encouraged others in the community to reach out for support. And as the demand for support grows, she says RCS Fresno is navigating how to support both survivors and the labor movements as difficult truths come to light.<\/p>\n
“We talk about those who are still, to this day, fighting for rights, human rights, and so on. And so, there’s a lot of confusion in how do we support movements at the same time naming these truths,” Garcia said.<\/p>\n
RCS Fresno provides support for anyone directly or indirectly impacted by sexual assault. They provide free and confidential advocacy, counseling and therapy. You can also call their 24-hour hotline. For more information about their services, you can visit their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n