I have to weigh in. This topic is so heavy on my heart, for all the women that have tried to come forward with their sexual assault and not been believed, and for all those who have remained silent because they feared they would not be believed, dreading they would be blamed and shamed for the event if their accusations were even considered. The words of every person casting doubt on the truth of Christine Blasey Ford’s claim are the very reason women don’t come forward. ~
I was sexually assaulted in my mid-twenties when I went to a job interview. I’ve been through some hard stuff, but that experience left me deeply shaken for years, maybe even to today. I’ve never told the story publicly but I am now in support of Christine and any other woman out there in a similar, absolutely impossible spot. I did end up sharing a portion of the story to a friend not long after my attack occurred, and they urged me to go to the police. But I didn’t because I was so deeply ashamed. How had I been so stupid to get myself in such a situation, I should have been able to prevent what happened by foresight, listening to my instincts or getting myself out of the building faster than I did. I knew I would be blamed, if I was even believed. The shame was more than I could subject myself to on top of the trauma I’d already just been through.~
I deeply regret my decision and have often wondered if another girl fell victim to this horrible man. I’ve tried to research if there were any cases ever brought up around that time and have never found any. But I’m speaking up now. If you don’t believe Christine’s story, or know people who don’t, I’d bet anything you and they have never been on the receiving end of a sexual assault. If you had been you would have no doubt to the truth of her words, you would fear what Christine has, along with every other woman finding themselves in this tragic situation. We are silent because of what you – and the president – and so many other men, and woman, are saying about her and the countless women who have found themselves in her shoes.
(reposted from @houseoffifty instagram account)
rest heal grow 