Intersectionality
Intersectionality, a concept coined in the 1980’s by Kimberlé Crenshaw, describes the ways in which oppressive institutions are interconnected and cannot be examined separately from one another. In other words, a person who identifies as both a woman and a person of color may experience discrimination differently than someone who identifies as both a man and a person of color. Intersectionality, is a lens for seeing the way in which various forms of identity often operate together and integrate together. For a brief intro, watch this 3-minute video on Intersectionality.
To bring the concept of Intersectionality into the field of victim advocacy means we must must examine and identify all facets of a survivor’s identity in order to address their complex, unique needs and understand how they impact their ability to access services and systems.