By Gabriella Fontan, Esq, Executive Director, WOAR- Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence
WOAR- Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR) is deeply concerned by recent public reporting detailing allegations of sexual violence associated with César Chávez. These reports underscore a difficult but necessary truth: No individual-regardless of status, legacy, or historical significance-is beyond accountability.
When allegations of sexual harm surface, particularly involving individuals in positions of power, they demand thoughtful, trauma-informed engagement —not dismissal, minimization, or reflexive defense.
We recognize that it can be painful and disorienting to reconcile allegations of harm with the legacy of a widely respected public figure.
However, protecting reputations at the expense of survivors perpetuates the very conditions that allow abuse to remain hidden. Survivors deserve to be heard without being discredited, ignored, or retraumatized.
WOAR does not investigate individual claims. But we stand firmly in the following principles:
- Survivors must be centered. Their voices and experiences matter, regardless of when they come forward.
- Delayed disclosure is common. Trauma, fear of retaliation, power imbalances, and cultural pressures often prevent immediate reporting.
- Power matters. Allegations involving influential figures highlight systemic barriers that can silence survivors for years or decades
- Public discourse must evolve. Communities and institutions must resist the urge to discredit survivors in order to preserve legacy or comfort.
We call on institutions, leaders, and the public to respond responsibly:
- Engage with these allegations with seriousness and care
- Avoid victim-blaming narratives and credibility attacks
- Support independent, trauma-informed review where appropriate
- Commit to transparency and accountability, even when it is uncomfortable
For survivors impacted by this news: your reactions are valid. You are not alone, and support is available. If you or someone you know needs support, please call or text WOAR at (215) 985-3333.
WOAR- Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence remains committed to advancing a culture where survivors are supported, systems are accountable, and silence is no longer the norm.
Media Contact:
LaQuisha S. Anthony
Senior Advocacy Manager
laquisha@woar.org
(215) 985-3315
