There’s a troubling thought that has been gnawing at my conscience for quite some time now. In the wake of Oprah’s powerful revival of the #TimesUp movement and months after Alyssa Milano brought the #MeToo campaign back into the spotlight, I find myself reflecting on Tarana Burke’s original mission behind Me Too over a decade ago. Her aim was to uplift young women of color who had experienced sexual violence, to empower them and ensure their voices were heard.
Yet, twelve years later, I can’t help but question if the time is truly up for those who are most vulnerable. Foster children are alarmingly ten times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse than their peers living with both biological parents, as highlighted in a 2010 congressional report. Despite this knowledge, the rates of abuse in the foster care system remain intolerably high.
A smaller study focused on girls in foster care revealed that a staggering 81% had been sexually abused, with 68% encountering abuse from more than one perpetrator. Take, for instance, our own advocate, Lila. While she possesses vivid memories of her past, the details surrounding her own experiences of sexual abuse remain shrouded in trauma. She can recount the harrowing stories of her foster siblings who faced similar fates. The statistic of being ten times more likely to be abused doesn’t shock her; she recognizes the ongoing struggles of children in the system today.
I deeply admire the women who utilize their platforms to advocate for all women. Many of us resonate with their narratives, recalling our own experiences of harassment in various settings—be it at a restaurant or during a corporate meeting. It creates a sense of solidarity among those who have faced workplace harassment. However, the reality is that few can genuinely relate to the plight of foster children. Confronting the harsh truths of a system that often punishes low-income families and places children in jeopardy is uncomfortable, and many choose to look away.
This avoidance raises concerns that the stories of these children will remain unheard. As the #TimesUp and #MeToo movements gain momentum and seek justice for women, we must question what actions we can take to support those who are most at risk. While individual states are beginning to implement protective measures for children, such as the Child Victims Act in New York, these efforts are merely initial steps towards addressing a much larger issue.
Hashtags and piecemeal legislation may not suffice, but they do initiate a crucial dialogue. To truly aid foster children, we must educate ourselves on the facts. Instead of ignoring the painful narratives surrounding sexual abuse within our foster care system, let’s strive to learn and leverage our privileges to amplify the voices of those still silenced.
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In conclusion, it’s imperative that we not only support movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo but also extend our advocacy to the most vulnerable members of society—our foster children. By recognizing their struggles and fighting for their rights, we can truly create a more equitable world.