HEALING SEXUALLY: BLACK RAPE SURVIVORS, FEAR OF ASKING FOR HELP, STIGMA BEHIND THERAPY IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

Q: In what ways do sexuality and intimacy problems resulting from sexual violation manifest themselves differently for African Americans that for other racial and ethnic groups?

STOVALL: I don’t think there’s a way in which those things manifest differently. I do think there can be differences in what happens afterwards that are culturally related and culturally bound. For example, people of color are less likely to seek out help from mental health professional. The longer it takes to get help, the longer a person suffers. Also, the symptoms worsen and they become more resistant to treatment. So, getting help early is very important.

Black people are more likely to believe that what happens to them is their fault—that if they feel badly about something, then they’re not pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. Unfortunately, they also feel that they are not being prayerful. I’ve had more than one person tell me that God helps those who help themselves. Fortunately, things are changing. The African-American community is more accepting of the idea that a good mental heal professional can be a prayer answered.

Q: what is the greatest challenge to sexual healing for African Americans?

STOVALL: The biggest barrier that exists for African Americans is the notion that they’re not supposed to ask for help. This is the single, largest issue that gets in the way.

I WILL SURVIVE

THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN GUIDE TO HEALING FROM SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE

Lori S. Robinson