PRESS ROOM
Not Just A Headline: A Moment Of Deep Reckoning
RAINN responds to allegations involving Cesar Chavez with a survivor-centered statement on trust, trauma, disclosure, and support for Latino communities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 18th, 2026 – In response to the deeply troubling allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez, RAINN released the following statement:
RAINN Statement
“The allegations are grave and deeply distressing. When figures of prominence are accused of such profound betrayals of trust, the impact vibrates through entire communities, often reopening wounds for survivors of sexual violence,” said RAINN President and Founder Scott Berkowitz.
Community Impact
“We recognize the profound pain this news brings to the Latino/Hispanic/Chicano community,” said National Sexual Assault Hotline Director Amy Andrades. “For many, this is not just a headline; it is a moment of deep reckoning. Our focus right now is entirely on the impact this has on Spanish-speaking and Latino survivors.”
“For many, this is not just a headline; it is a moment of deep reckoning. Our focus right now is entirely on the impact this has on Spanish-speaking and Latino survivors.”
What Survivors Need the Public to Understand
In light of discussions regarding the timing of these allegations, we remind survivors and allies alike that there is no “right” time or “standard” way for a survivor to come forward.
“We often hear the question, ‘Why didn’t they come forward sooner?’ Coming forward is a very personal decision that each survivor needs to make for themself,” said Berkowitz. “Some cite personal or family reasons for not disclosing rape, and others are deterred by the stigma they perceive within their community or because they fear the outcome of reporting. The calculus is even harder when the person who committed the rape is such a prominent figure, which can lead survivors to fear they will not be believed or will be blamed for bringing down someone who is admired in their community. Ultimately, we need to trust survivors to make the decision that is right for them.”
“We need to trust survivors to make the decision that is right for them.”
By the Numbers
According to the most recent CDC survey on sexual violence in Hispanic communities:
- More than 1 in 5 (19.7%) Hispanic women and 3.2% of Hispanic men have been raped in their lifetime.
- More than 1 in 3 (34.8%) Hispanic women and 1 in 5 (22.5%) Hispanic men have experienced unwelcome sexual contact in their lifetime.
Where To Find Help
We urge all news organizations and journalists to include information in their stories on RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline, which offers confidential support 24/7 in English and Spanish:
Línea de Ayuda Nacional de Abuso Sexual de RAINN
¿Usted o alguien a querido ha sufrido una agresión o abuso sexual? No está sola/o. Conéctese con un especialista de apoyo de RAINN las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español.
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