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Statement

‘We Stand with Dolores Huerta, and All Survivors of Sexual Violence’

March 18, 2026

Lisa Lederer, 202/371-1996

Statement of Xochitl Oseguera, Vice President, MamásConPoder and MomsRising, the online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, on the New York Times investigation into violence committed by the late labor leader Cesar Chavez:

"Our hearts break for Dolores Huerta, and all the women who were raped and violated by Cesar Chavez and by others who used their power to abuse and cause harm. Huerta’s revelations are a painful, searing reminder that we can never let up in the work to protect the safety, health, and dignity of every person. The new revelations have shaken the Hispanic community but also deepened our resolve to ensure everyone can live and work free from violence, harassment, and abuse of all kinds.

“Sexual violence is much too prevalent in our society and we are committed to creating spaces where survivors can share their experiences, funding services for those who have been violated, and ensuring accountability so perpetrators will not continue preying on others for decades, as Chavez apparently did. We stand with Dolores Huerta and with all survivors of sexual violence, and recommit to creating a world where nobody has to experience that kind of horrific abuse.”

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MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, stop discrimination against women and moms, and build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: www.MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.