ABSTRACT
Intersectionality theory can help us think about and respond to the multiply-influenced experiences of children and young people affected by sexual violence within a wider context of structural inequality. Intersectionality theory can be used to provoke thought about how different children and young people experience discrimination, violence and abuse, including child sexual exploitation (CSE). There is currently limited research available on black and minority ethnic (BME) women and girls' experiences of sexual violence. This makes it difficult to assess the nature of such violence and its impact on BME women and girls' wellbeing, the ways in which they disclose violence and the responses they receive. Disclosure of, and seeking support for, sexual violence is difficult for many young people, but that BME young people are likely to face additional barriers. These barriers include racism, inaccessible services and lack of knowledge among services and staff about the specific experiences of BME young people.
