National

Rape’s Other Victims

Published

11 years ago

February 10, 2015

Tiffany Perry, a child of rape, says that there are no services targeted to people conceived through sexual assault. (Photo by Tiffany Perry)

By Jazelle Hunt
NNPA Washington Correspondent

SECOND IN A SERIES

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – The first time Tiffany Perry learned about her conception, she was too innocent to fully understand the gentle explanation her mother was offering, too young to process such a heavy and complicated behavior.

What she distinctly remembers is watching “Oprah” with her mom a few years later, as a 10-year-old. It was the television episode in which Oprah revealed to the world that she was a rape survivor.

“When [Oprah] said herself, and started crying…my mom just fell apart,” the 39-year-old Jersey City, N.J. native recounted. “I tried to console her, but she was inconsolable. It was just so intense.”

At 15 years old, Perry’s mother was raped by her foster mother’s 21-year-old married son. His wife had invited Perry’s mother into their home to babysit their child and to escape her foster mother’s wrath.

Her foster brother raped her repeatedly for two weeks, sometimes at knifepoint. Despite being a virgin at the time and under the care of the state, few people bothered to inquire about the details of the pregnancy. Plus, the fact that he had threatened to kill her, kept Perry’s mother silent.

“Maybe, as a Black person, they just saw this as another teenage pregnancy, and nobody really asked any questions,” Perry said, trying to explain the unexplainable. “I can’t say with certainty…but I’m thinking that if she was White in a foster home and her belly started to grow, then maybe a flag would’ve went up somewhere and somebody would’ve investigated more as to why this foster child is pregnant.”

In subsequent years, freed by the Oprah episode, Perry’s mother became more forthcoming.

“As I grew up, she told me more details of the attack. It was like she had been carrying this around the whole time.”
But opening that door triggered another set of emotions in Perry.

“I went through different feelings of inadequacy, feeling like I had to overcompensate because I was a child of a rape. Even now, when I say the word ‘inadequate,’ I get choked up,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

“My mom was awesome, she never talked down to me….my mom always praised me, always gave me love,” Perry said. “But I felt like…I owed it to her to be perfect so she doesn’t feel like keeping me was a mistake.”

And there was the question of what she would say when asked about her father. Perry chose to say that he was dead, that he had left, or that she didn’t know him, depending on the questioner. But even while denying his existence, there was also a deep craving to know about this man, wherever he was.

Wanted to know her roots

More than anything else, she did not want her mother to feel badly.

“I didn’t rape her, but when I was younger, I used to feel like it was my fault,” she recalled. “The dreams that she probably could have fulfilled – if she had stayed that innocent virgin who wanted to be a lawyer – she wasn’t going to be able to fulfill those because I was here.”

Instead of pursuing her dreams, Perry’s mother had to shift her focus, looking after the needs of an infant rather than look forward to a career as an attorney.

“Sometimes she was a little more paranoid than I would think is regular,” Perry said. “When I was growing up my mom was so strict, or smothering, when it came down to me, particularly.”

Once, her mother sent her to the corner store for a few items. There, she ran into a family friend, an older man. He offered to buy her something – she chose cookies – and they parted ways.

She thought nothing of it – until her mother went into a rage.

“She flew off the handle. She beat me with an extension cord. And she told me, ‘Don’t ever accept anything from a man, they can’t be trusted, you don’t know their intentions.’ I’m six. I don’t have a clue what she is talking about.

“She cried. When I got older and reminded her about the incident, she explained to me that she didn’t trust anybody, she didn’t trust any man. And she wanted me to be extra careful. She wanted to put that fear in me.”

It instilled both fear and confusion, blurring the lines of what was acceptable with the boys and men in her world.

“It’s just assumed whenever a woman gets raped, she never gets pregnant, or if she does get pregnant, the child is automatically aborted or adopted,” she said. “There’s this group of people who’ve been conceived by rape and nobody ever discusses us. I want to talk about it because we exist. I exist.”

Unresolved trauma

Philadelphia-based author, activist, and scholar Ewuare Osayande wasn’t born of this violence, but also grew up in its shadow.

His mother spent her childhood at the mercy of a sexually abusive stepfather. The oldest of eight children, she was the only one who was not his blood-relative. The abuse was the family’s open secret. She grew up to date, marry, and divorce abusive men.

Justice Department data show that Black women are more likely than their White counterparts to be assaulted, sexually and otherwise by strangers and by family members.

“It was never the case where my mother cowered in the face of her abuse. She didn’t hold her tongue, she always spoke her mind,” Osayande said.

Today, Osayande is the creator of Project ONUS: Redefining Black Manhood, a series of anti-sexist workshops for Black men. It took time and life experiences before he was able to connect the dots and realize how his mother’s abuse – some he had witnessed, some he had not – had affected his own development.

“That processing has been life-long,” he explained. “I’m a divorcée. In that relationship, I found myself becoming like the men I swore for years I would never be. It never got to the point where I became physically abusive, but certainly emotionally abusive.”

As the son of a rape and abuse survivor, and as a formerly abusive person, he also realized he had to address his own internal conflicts and beliefs.

“It’s been a very real, clear determination on my part to make sense of the life I’ve experienced as a Black man, in a gendered way,” he explained. “It’s been my desire to become an effective ally in that struggle, in that engagement in the world in which Black women exist, and experience.”

Secondary survivors need help

In the sea of services for survivors, most resources geared toward family and friends coach them on how to best support the survivor in their life. Although crisis centers and hotlines are equipped to aid and counsel family and friends of survivors, few resources address the challenges these relatives face.

The book, I Will Survive: The African American Guide to Healing from Sexual Assault and Abuse, cites a study that draws parallels between the emotions of boyfriends and husbands of women who have been sexually assaulted, and the wives and girlfriends of war veterans.

“Not surprisingly, past or recent sexual trauma can present unique challenges for the survivor’s partner,” writes Lori Robinson, author of the book. “You are a victim too. Some experts call you the secondary victim. After all you are experiencing many of the same emotions sexual assault victims feel.”

Tiffany Perry’s breaking point came about 20 years ago. A probation officer contacted her out of the blue, looking for her father. He had given her name and birthdate as his next-of-kin. She learned that not only did he know about her, but he knew where she lived. To this day, the two live less than an hour apart. She has never contacted him, but has learned a bit about his life via a cousin and aunt on Facebook.

Perry’s mother remains her primary source of support.

“When I went to go look for support groups for children of rape victims or children conceived out of rape, they’re pretty much nonexistent,” Perry says. “[Rape] is so common we don’t even cringe when we hear about it. Rape is inhumane, and people are not treating it like it’s inhumane. They just treat it like ‘Well, it happens.’”

NEXT WEEK: Should we have faith in the faith community?

PART I: Rape and the myth of the “Strong Black Woman”

(The project was made possible by a grant from the National Health Journalism Fellowship, a program of the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.)

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Business

Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Law Streamlining Affordable Housing Rules

The legislation builds on the governor’s efforts that have reversed decades of inaction on housing and homelessness — creating more homes and the largest reduction in unsheltered homelessness in more than 15 years.

Published

21 hours ago

July 24, 2026

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From left to right: Jesse Arreguín, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sharon Quirk Silva, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, and Janelle Chan. Photo courtesy Sarah Henry.

In Oakland on July 13, Gov. Newsom signed AB 179 — the state’s new housing budget trailer bill that cuts red tape, modernizes how California finances affordable housing, and lowers the cost of building a unit by up to $70,000.

Oakland is the first pro-housing city in the Bay Area, and it’s not slowing down. Oakland is cutting through bureaucracy, unlocking new financing, and clearing the path for more affordable homes to get built faster.

Special thanks to East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBADC), State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk Silva, and California Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez.

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Business

Smart Home Technology is Becoming a Tool for Preventing Property Damage

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Leak detectors, security systems, and connected alarms can warn owners before problems spread. See which smart home technology offers the greatest protection.

Published

2 days ago

July 23, 2026

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Connected leak detectors, alarms, cameras, and climate controls can warn owners before a small problem spreads. The strongest protection comes from systems that can also act, especially water monitors that automatically stop a leak.

A hidden pipe leak can soak floors before anyone sees a drop. A failed furnace can freeze plumbing overnight. A forgotten appliance can create a fire risk while the owner is away.

Modern home technology changes how owners respond to household risks. The relationship between home and technology now centers on prevention instead of reaction. Connected systems can watch for moisture, smoke, carbon monoxide, unusual access, temperature shifts, and electrical hazards.

Early warnings create time to act. Automated responses add another layer of protection. Remote access also helps owners respond while traveling or working.

Owners who choose the right tools may limit property damage and protect the home’s long-term condition.

How Can Smart Home Technology Prevent Property Damage?

A smart home is a residence that uses internet-connected devices for remote monitoring and control. Smart systems can prevent damage through:

Detection
Notification
Automatic action

A central app or hub may connect:

Sensors
Locks
Alarms
Thermostats
Appliances

Leak sensors can warn owners about moisture near:

Sinks
Water heaters
Washing machines
Sump pumps

Advanced systems can also close the main water valve.

Fast action can keep one failed hose from destroying property across several rooms. Owners may receive an alert within seconds, even when they are away from home.

Which Smart Home Devices Offer the Greatest Protection?

Water protection often provides the greatest direct benefit because leaks can spread quietly.

Whole-home monitors and automatic shutoff valves can detect unusual water flow. Some systems can stop the water supply when nobody is present.

Other valuable smart devices for the home include:

Connected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Security cameras
Door sensors
Smart locks
Temperature monitors

Protection improves when a device can send an alert and trigger a useful response.

Water Protection Gives Owners the Fastest Response

Water-related issues often escalate quickly, making early detection and response critical for minimizing damage. Understanding how to monitor and control water risks sets the foundation for the strategies discussed in the following sections.

Place Leak Sensors Near Common Failure Points

Real-time alerts can help owners respond before water harms building materials or supports mold growth. Place moisture sensors near:

Dishwashers
Toilets
Washing machines
Water heaters
Sump pumps
Sinks

Point sensors only cover nearby areas. Whole-home monitors track water flow or pressure throughout the property. Automatic shutoff systems offer stronger protection because they can stop continued leaking before an owner arrives.

A sensor provides a warning, while an automatic shutoff valve can directly limit the damage.

Monitor Freezing and Humidity Risks

A smartphone thermostat can warn an owner when indoor temperatures leave a safe range. Freeze alerts protect plumbing in:

Vacant homes
Rental properties
Seasonal residences

Humidity alerts may reveal an air-conditioning or ventilation failure before damp conditions support mold growth.

Connected Alarms Reduce Fire and Security Risks

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms send warnings beyond the home. Remote alerts support faster action when nobody is present.

Some systems can:

Contact a monitoring service
Unlock doors for emergency responders
Shut down connected equipment
Turn on the lights during an emergency

Connected security systems combine:

Cameras
Motion sensors
Window alarms
Doorbells
Smart locks

Recorded footage may support a later insurance claim. Visible cameras and timed lighting may also discourage entry attempts.

Security technology cannot guarantee that a break-in will never happen. Early alerts can still help owners contact authorities, verify activity, and reduce the amount of time an intruder remains inside the property.

Build a System That Still Works During Failures

Dependable Wi-Fi is a starting point for connected devices. Owners should also plan for:

Outages
Weak signals
Dead batteries
Expired subscriptions
Failed software updates

A practical setup should include:

Local alarms, in addition to phone alerts
Battery or cellular backup, where available
Strong passwords and current firmware
Manual keys and water shutoff access
Updated emergency contact information

Unique passwords, regular updates, careful camera placement, and reputable products can reduce exposure.

Backup access also matters when a smart lock, mobile app, or network fails. Owners should always have a manual way to enter the property and control essential systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Smart Devices Lower Home Insurance Costs?

Some insurers offer discounts, rebates, or credits for approved leak detectors, alarms, monitoring services, and automatic shutoff systems. Requirements vary by:

Insurer
State
Property type
Device certification

Owners should confirm eligibility before purchasing equipment.

A discount should remain a secondary benefit. Preventing a loss carries more value because avoiding a claim can:

Protect the home
Reduce disruption
Prevent an insurance deductible

Resources from Shieldly Premier Insurance Solutions may help owners consider prevention tools as part of a broader property protection plan.

How Should Rental Property Owners Use Smart Sensors?

Rental owners should focus on devices that protect units and reduce maintenance delays. Water sensors can alert property managers before leaks become major repairs.

Smart locks may create temporary access codes for maintenance teams. Thermostats can also flag unsafe temperatures between tenants.

Owners should disclose connected equipment, follow privacy laws, and limit cameras to lawful exterior locations. Indoor cameras should never be used to monitor private tenant spaces.

What Cybersecurity Steps Protect Smart Home Systems?

Owners should change default passwords and enable multifactor authentication. Firmware and mobile applications should receive regular updates. A separate Wi-Fi network for connected devices can add protection when the router supports it.

Access for former residents, contractors, and service providers should be removed promptly. Owners should also review:

Application permissions
Video storage settings
Data-sharing policies

A secure hub matters because one weak device may expose other connected systems.

Use Home Technology to Strengthen Everyday Protection

Effective home technology gives owners earlier warnings and greater control. Leak detectors, automatic shutoff valves, connected alarms, security sensors, smart outlets, and climate monitors can limit damage when installed in the right locations.

No device removes every risk. Strong protection still requires regular maintenance, safe habits, updated insurance coverage, and a clear emergency plan.

Explore our other guides and articles for practical news about protecting homes, managing risks, and making informed property decisions.

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Commentary

Volunteer Work for Black Americans Pays Off By Helping Others and Building Portfolios

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Volunteer work can be personally fulfilling and can even benefit your professional life. Learn about the perks of dedicating your time to helping others here.

Published

2 days ago

July 23, 2026

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Volunteer work can pay off for Black Americans by letting them experience personal fulfillment as they reach out, interact with, and help others in need. The charity work they engage in, whether it’s leadership, mentorship, or organizational roles, can also help them build their professional portfolio.

All those positive impacts, combined with the potential health and wellness benefits of volunteering, can help explain why many Americans engage in charitable work.

Per the latest U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps’ biennial civic engagement survey, over 75.7 million Americans 16 years+ formally volunteered through an organization from September 2022 to September 2023. They dedicated 4.99 billion hours, which had an economic value of over $167.2 billion.

What Are the Primary Types of Volunteer Work?

There are several primary types of volunteer work, usually categorized based on commitment structure and type of volunteer services rendered. Three of the most common categories include: formal, informal, and skills-based volunteering.

Formal Volunteering

Formal volunteering involves partnering with a trustworthy, reputable, and licensed volunteer organization. It’s a highly structured approach, requiring dedicated commitment from volunteers and their chosen charitable nonprofit organization.

Formal charity workers can engage in opportunities that involve volunteering overseas, interstate, or locally. They undergo training, adhere to specific guidelines, and usually work on scheduled shifts.

Informal Volunteering

Informal volunteer opportunities are casual, flexible, and unstructured acts of kindness. They present themselves outside of formal organizational structures, directly benefiting recipients. They can be sudden and random or scheduled.

Skills-Based Volunteering

Skills-based volunteering gives professionals the chance to leverage their specialized trade, expertise, or talents to help individuals or organizations. With their help, nonprofits can save money and use the funds to support more charitable work.

What Are Examples of Volunteer Work?

A popular and common example of volunteer work is a food bank. Volunteers here can play various roles, including:

Cooks
Servers
Sorters
Inspectors
Drivers

Being a food bank volunteer is a type of formal volunteering. The food bank, in turn, is the nonprofit charitable organization that volunteers work with.

You can also find volunteer work in many other sectors, from childcare to healthcare, as noted by Involvement Volunteers International. Nonprofits also offer opportunities in community and education outreach programs.

As for informal volunteering, it can be something as simple yet impactful as running errands (e.g., mowing the lawn or picking up groceries) for a neighbor who’s older or has an injury or disability. It can also involve organizing a neighborhood cleanup or checking in on home-bound community members.

Members of the Black community interested in sharing their expertise may explore skills-based volunteering, too. One example is providing pro-bono legal counsel. Another is offering medical services at a community clinic in an underserved neighborhood.

How Does Volunteer Work Pay Off for Members of the Black Community?

An article published by the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute in April 2026 noted that America is home to 1.9 million nonprofits. It also cited data from a 2025 Urban Institute research, which stated that 75% of these organizations say volunteers are integral to their operations, with 23% even being completely dependent on volunteers.

All those figures underscore the value of volunteer work, which not only benefits the recipients of the charitable service but also those who provide it. Here’s how volunteers from Black communities can reap the fruits of their philanthropic work.

Personal Fulfillment

Volunteer work gives Black Americans a way to experience personal fulfillment because it ties them to kinship networks. Such social connections and interactions can provide a profound sense of intrinsic joy, something brought about by the act of supporting neighbors and those in need while also advocating for equity.

There’s also a sense of fulfillment in being able to empower the next generation through volunteering services. Members of the Black community, for instance, can commit their time to skills-based volunteer work, which lets them pass down knowledge, share skills, and foster cultural pride.

Volunteering also comes with potential health benefits. As explained by the University of Kentucky, giving back can make people feel better, as it supports physical, mental, and emotional health. It noted the findings of studies that show a connection between regular volunteering and:

Lower rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness
Higher life satisfaction and self-esteem
Lower blood pressure
Reduced inflammation
Improved heart health

Career Advancement and Portfolio Building

Volunteer work can open doors to career-advancing and skill-building opportunities. As members of the black community experience fulfillment and joy in helping others, they can also:

Gain hands-on experience in tasks or activities like project management and leadership
Close representation gaps, particularly in high-impact industries where there’s an underrepresentation of people of color
Forge vital connections (career, social, or networking)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Are Volunteers Needed the Most?

The urgent need for volunteers often arises in areas that require crisis response and food security.

Natural disasters, for instance, often fuel the demand for volunteers, as they can cause sudden, widespread, and devastating effects that can overwhelm local professional responders and emergency services. They create an emergency need for extra hands to carry out tasks like food and water distribution, staffing emergency shelters, and search and rescue operations.

Areas with a high rate of food insecurity also welcome volunteers with open arms. In these scenarios, volunteers often assist with food preparation, packaging, sorting, and distribution.

What Is the Best Volunteering Activity?

There’s no “single” best volunteering activity, as it’s highly subjective and depends on a person’s specific interests, unique skills, and individual capacity.

In many cases, the most impactful and rewarding choices are those that align with someone’s passions, such as helping out at food banks or caring for animals at a shelter. It can also be sharing skills and knowledge through mentoring and leadership programs.

Consider Participating in Volunteer Work

While most volunteer work may not be lucrative, Black Americans who decide to participate in it often find it very rewarding and fulfilling. Giving back alone can already make you feel better, but it can also be a great way to develop and hone skills that can help advance your career or build your professional portfolio.

Read other informative guides like this or stay in the loop of the latest events in the Black community by checking out our most recent posts.