P3.170: It's All My Fault: Victim-Blaming and Cultural Stigma in the Case of a Latinx Adolescent Sexual Abuse Survivor

Introduction: Sexual abuse remains a heavily stigmatized issue across many cultures, with immigrant communities facing unique systemic and cultural barriers to disclosure. This case study examines the experience of a 17-year-old Latina female who endured both sexual assault and familial abuse, underscoring the profound impact of cultural stigmas on victim response and reporting. By exploring the intersection of cultural expectations, gender roles, and legal barriers, this study aims to shed light on the difficulties survivors face in seeking help within immigrant communities.

Case Description: Patient is a previously healthy 17 y.o Hispanic female presenting to the ED for concern of pregnancy and STIs after repeated sexual assault by her 25-year-old paternal uncle. Her mother had noticed she had not been acting herself for the past month (i.e. getting angry easily, nervous, worried.) The day before presenting to the ED, patient’s mother had repeatedly asked the patient what was going on. The patient stated she could not disclose what had happened: “I can’t tell you guys; it will break your heart.”
Mother begins beating patient with a belt on her buttocks, back, and arm due to patient’s supposed defiance. Eventually patient discloses the sexual abuse, at which point mother proceeds to beat patient with belt some more, this time because the patient had sex. The patient was ultimately hospitalized until she was safely discharged to the Child Protection Team for forensic interview.

Discussion: In this case, the mother was also a victim of sexual abuse and internalized the blame for the abuse. Because of this, she may have felt that her daughter was also responsible for her assault. This case contextualizes the cultural challenges associated with sexual abuse. Research shows that Latina women are less likely to disclose sexual abuse than their non-Latinx counterparts (Romero et al., 1999). Much of this comes from victim blaming and shame.
This case study aims to highlight the cultural stigmas and systemic barriers that prevent immigrant communities from disclosing their sexual abuse. Examples of these stigmas and barriers include religious and cultural beliefs surrounding virginity, strictly gendered sex roles, the lack of sex positivity amongst non-white cultures, and legal and generational traumas that contribute to underreported cases of sexual violence amongst immigrant populations.

Conclusion: This case highlights the urgent need for culturally competent support systems that address the deeply ingrained stigmas and systemic barriers preventing sexual abuse survivors from seeking justice and care. Recognizing the influence of religious and cultural beliefs, gendered expectations, and generational trauma is essential in developing more effective interventions. By fostering open dialogue and providing accessible resources, healthcare providers and advocates can work toward breaking the cycle of silence and ensuring survivors receive the protection and support they deserve.