ST. PAUL, MN—State Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega (DFL-St. Paul) released the following statement:
“As a survivor, my heart breaks for Dolores Huerta and the countless women harmed and abused by César Chávez. Latine women are disproportionately targeted by sexual violence yet are often forced into silence to 'protect' the reputations of powerful men. This is patriarchal violence: demanding that women of color sacrifice their safety for a 'great man’s' legacy.
“Dolores carried this trauma for 60 years. As a woman who dedicated her life to bettering our nation’s labor laws, she deserved better. We demand justice for every survivor told to stay quiet 'for the cause.' Her silence was the cost of her activism, but her truth is the path to healing and accountability. I wholeheartedly stand in solidarity with Dolores and other victims speaking out.
“I also want to stand with my communities as we share being hurt navigating through this disturbing reality. Let’s continue to support our healing in holding and fighting for justice for all victims of sexual assault.”
Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega (DFL-St. Paul) with Dolores Huerta