The following is a statement by Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC):

WASHINGTON, D.C. – “We are deeply disturbed and saddened by the shocking allegations of abuse and sexual violence against Cesar Chavez. For the National Women’s Law Center, and the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund, our first priority is supporting the survivors who bravely shared their experience, including esteemed leader Dolores Huerta.  

“It is difficult to square these horrific stories with the values of justice and dignity that shaped the farmworker movement. But it is also the case that abuse happens across sectors and communities, including in movements for justice. Our responsibility is to confront these moments with honesty and accountability, and with deep clarity that movements are not made by a single individual but by every person committing to the work of justice.  

“Sexual violence persists because it relies on a culture of silence and shame, and especially in societies that habitually devalue and try to control women’s bodies. It can take years or even decades for someone to speak out – or sometimes, never – because fear of retaliation and not being believed, particularly when it involves a revered leader, are barriers that can feel insurmountable. 

“We call for support for the survivors who have come forward that both honors progress and insists on truth. Care for those whose voices are often overlooked because they toil in roles that pay low wages should be centered in the conversations. In this complex moment, we must double down in our fight for the rights of farmworkers – and all workers – to be free from sexual violence and harassment, and to advance the legal and cultural reforms needed to guarantee safety and dignity for all.” 

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