Photo Credit: Fox News
Written by: Bonnie Chapman
Denver, CO - Andrea Serrano, a 31-year-old woman, has been found guilty of sexual assault on a 13-year-old boy who fathered her child. Despite her conviction, she avoided jail time due to a plea deal. The mother of the victim is now fighting for custody of her grandchild, her son looked to Serrano as a surrogate mother figure. The victim even called her mom. The minor’s therapist reported the discovery after he informed her of the sexual relations with Serrano. Serrano is currently raising the child alone while registering as a sex offender. She was also charged with incest due to the victim seeing her as a mother figure.
This case highlights the issue of lenient sentences given to women who commit sexual assault on male minors. The mother of the victim expressed her disappointment in the justice system's response, comparing it to how it would be different if the genders were reversed. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, and the country has failed young men who are victims of statutory rape and sexual assault.
Another recent example of such misconduct is the case of Andrea Campos Hernandez, a 22-year-old woman arrested for sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old boy. The victim reported the ongoing misconduct, which included sexual acts and explicit photo and video exchanges. Hernandez, who worked as a substitute teacher and childcare provider, is currently being held on second-degree rape charges.
It is important to acknowledge that sexual assault is a traumatic experience for any victim, regardless of their gender. However, society often fails to recognize the severity of sexual violence against male victims, perpetuating the harmful stereotype that men cannot be victims of sexual assault.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in six boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. Despite this alarming statistic, male victims often face barriers in seeking justice and receiving support. Many men may not report their assault due to shame or fear of being labeled as weak, emasculated, or gay. Additionally, male survivors may struggle to find resources that are tailored to their specific needs.
It is crucial that we work towards creating a society where male victims of sexual violence are taken seriously and are provided with the same level of support and justice as female victims. This includes educating the public on the prevalence and impact of sexual violence against men, providing accessible and gender-inclusive support services, and holding perpetrators accountable regardless of their gender.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, regardless of gender, there are resources available to help. You can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for confidential support and information on local resources.
Denver residents are reminded that the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) is available to provide services to survivors of sexual assault. They can be reached at (303) 839-9999.
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