This story was published in collaboration with Somos Tucson.
After civil rights activist Dolores Huerta released a statement revealing that César Chávez had raped her during the 1960s — when she was in her thirties — at Somos Tucson we decided to focus on addressing sexual assault and the support resources available in Tucson for survivors of sexual abuse.
Huerta’s statement, published on March 18, followed a multi-year investigation by The New York Times into the sexual misconduct of the revered farmworker leader. In a second encounter, Huerta stated that she was manipulated and pressured into having sexual relations with him. The report documents allegations from two other women, Ana Murguía and Debra Rojas, who claimed to have been sexually abused by Chávez when they were children. It also included accounts from other women who have not spoken out publicly.
In Huerta’s case, both instances of abuse resulted in pregnancies that she kept secret.
“I had experienced abuse and sexual violence before, and I convinced myself these were incidents that I had to endure alone and in secret. I have never identified myself as a victim, but I now understand that I am a survivor — of violence, of sexual abuse, of domineering men who saw me, and other women, as property, or things to control.” — Dolores Huerta, in a public statement made March 18, 2026.
Given that the individuals involved are public figures, the revelations have had a significant impact: a necessary debate on the subject was sparked; conflicting opinions (and judgments) — particularly on social media — have emerged regarding Huerta’s decisions. Events scheduled to celebrate the anniversary of Chávez’s birth on March 31 — proclaimed in 2014 as the National Day of César Chávez by then-President Barack Obama — have been canceled. In Tucson, Mayor Regina Romero renamed César Chávez Day as Dolores Huerta Day for this year.
However, sexual abuse is more prevalent than we often remember.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women in the United States has experienced “rape or attempted rape,” and four out of five (81%) women in this country have experienced “some form of sexual harassment and/or assault during their lifetime.” According to this data, 43% of men have also experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault.
The fact that sexual harassment is so common in our society reflects a deep-seated culture of acceptance regarding this type of violence, something that makes it even more difficult for those who experience it to expose it says Imelda Esquer, co-founder and director of CreSer, an organization that provides resources to Hispanic women in Tucson.
“I believe the most important thing is to recognize the role played by the culture of violence that is so deeply ingrained within us. Behind an abuser stands not merely an individual, but an entire system that sustains him and a culture that, in many cases, normalizes or even applauds him.” — Imelda Esquer, co-founder of CreSer
From her perspective, the current challenge lies not solely in encouraging those who have suffered abuse to come forward and file a report, but also in analyzing how we —both as individuals and as a system — respond when such information is brought to light.
“When accusations are directed at people in positions of power, it becomes even more difficult for victims to speak out,” Esquer said.
Resources for survivors of sexual abuse in Tucson
The decision to speak out or remain silent is just one aspect of the pressure faced by those who are suffering from abuse or have survived it. For this reason, this evolving list includes community resources for people impacted in various ways by sexual abuse. Most of these organizations also assist individuals seeking help on behalf of someone else.
Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse
Supports survivors of domestic violence, including sexual abuse.
Services: Assistance in crisis situations, planning for emotional and physical safety, and identification of available community options and resources, including direct referrals to specialists. Emerge also offers emergency shelter, community education, and a housing stability program.
Contact: 24/7 Multilingual Hotline at 520-795-4266 and 1-888-428-0101.
SACASA, Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault
Offers services to survivors of sexual assault in Southern Arizona. They serve direct victims and those suffering from the effects of abuse, as well as survivors of both recent and past sexual assaults.
Services: Crisis intervention, advocacy, 24-hour information and referrals, and individual and group therapy. A Spanish-language therapy group called “Buscando Seguridad” meets on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., where participants learn about the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). SACASA also provides education regarding sexual assault to the general community.
Contact: 520-327-1171. 24/7 Bilingual Crisis Line: 520-327-7273. Location: 1600 N. Country Club, Tucson, 85716; open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ACASI, Arizona Child and Adolescent Survivor Initiative
A program at Arizona State University (ASU) that offers specialized services to children who have lost a parent due to intimate partner violence, as well as to their adult caregivers, throughout the state. “Parent” may refer to a biological parent, stepparent, guardian, foster family or other caregiver.
Services: Information, referrals to specialists, and connections to resources; specialized counseling/therapy; group therapy and peer support; crisis intervention (in person or by phone); assistance with applying for victim compensation; and individual accompaniment and advocacy.
Contact: 602-496-1327. Email: acasi@asu.edu. You can also fill out their form here.
Mexican Consulate of Tucson
The consulate features the Policy for Outreach and Comprehensive Care for Women (Política de Vinculación y Atención Integral para la Mujer o VAIM) program and the Department for the Protection of Mexicans.
Services: Legal guidance and counseling, local resources, and informational sessions regarding rights, health, education, and finances.
Contact: Center for Information and Assistance to Mexican Nationals (CIAM) phone: 520-623-7874. In person: 3915 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, 85711; you may visit without an appointment Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Email: civiltuc@sre.gob.mx.
La Frontera Arizona
The organization’s objective is to build a safer, stronger and healthier community. It operates several clinics in Tucson, as well as residential facilities for mental health and substance abuse treatment. According to its website, La Frontera has partnered with the Pima County Health Department to increase access to mental health services for young people under the age of 25.
Services: It offers a variety of services, including domestic violence support groups, individual, group, and family counseling, psychiatric care, and housing assistance, among others.
Contact: Community Crisis Line: 520-622-6000. Customer Service: 520-838-5558. To enroll in their services, call 520-838-3804 or send an email to enroll@lafrontera.org.
Clínica Amistad
The clinic has provided free health services since 2003 to serve Tucson’s low-income and uninsured community.
Services: In addition to health services, this clinic offers psychological services. Its hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact: Phone: 520-305-5107. Location: 101 W. Irvington Road, Building 3-C, Tucson, 85714.
Southern Arizona Legal Aid
The organization provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in Southern Arizona.
Services: Legal support to obtain protection orders for victims of domestic abuse, divorce, child support, and restoration of rights, among other cases.
Contact: 520-623-9461 and 1-800-248-6789. In person: 2343 E. Broadway Blvd., suite 200, Tucson, 85719. Request assistance online.
Pima County
Offers a pamphlet in English and Spanish containing information on support services for victims of various types of abuse. These include:
Pima County Emergency Line: (520) 622-6000
Child Protective Services Support (24 hrs): (520) 721-3097
Child Abuse Reporting Line: 888-767-2445
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
University of Arizona’s Survivor Support Services
Offers confidential services to individuals affiliated with the university (students and staff) who identify as survivors of abuse, harassment or mistreatment.
CreSer
A cultural and resource center established in 2025. It defines itself as a safe space where Hispanic women and their families can find safety, support, celebration and growth.
Services: Skill-building classes, spaces for dialogue, and workshops. A workshop on domestic violence will be held on April 13 and 26 at a location to be determined. You can register here.
Do you know of another organization that should be included in this list? Write to us at somostucson2025@gmail.com.
Liliana López Ruelas contributed to this story. Translation: Susan Barnett.
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