Over the last few weeks, the staff and participants at Scarlet Road have experienced deep pain, frustration, and grief as we have witnessed the continuation of violence against black communities.
Racism is still rampant in our nation. Daily we see how racial and ethnic injustices disproportionately affect individuals impacted by sexual exploitation, creating additional barriers in their healing journey.
Traffickers and buyers prey on those our society has made most vulnerable and marginalized. People of color are disproportionately victimized. Racist themes are ubiquitous within pornography that promote the degradation of black and brown women and girls. Native and indigenous women are missing and murdered at 10 times the national average as a result of sexual assault, domestic violence and sexual exploitation.
As a result, we consistently see an over representation of minority groups within Kitsap County being exploited. At Scarlet Road we acknowledge these barriers and the impacts they have on those we are serving, and diligently work with the intent to eliminate these injustices. Our heart is, and has always been, to combat oppression and to see people live equitable and thriving lives, free of fear and abuse.
Scarlet Road firmly stands in solidarity with the black community, with tribal communities, and all who have experienced discrimination because of their racial, ethnic or cultural identities. We believe that change is possible, but that it is the responsibility for each of us to call out individual and systemic injustice. We stand together in protest, action, support, and prayer, as we continue to work towards a just, equitable and healed community.
