The Intersection of Fatphobia and Rape Culture: How Weight Stigma Influences Sexual Violence

Presenter: Monica Schell, Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center

In our society, fat people are discriminated against and looked down upon simply due to the size of their bodies. Fatphobia (the fear and hatred of fat people) is present in the medical field, the fashion industry, across levels of employment, education, interpersonal relationships, and is rooted in racism and anti-Blackness. This continuous dehumanization contributes to fat people being subjected to sexual violence.