The confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court has left many victims of sexual assault wondering if coming forward will change anything.
Kavanaugh was recently confirmed to the Supreme Court after Dr. Christine Ford accused him of sexually assaulting her while they were in high school. Dr. Ford struggled with the idea of coming forward, echoing what so many victims stated in their #MeToo stories.
“For a very long time, I was too afraid and ashamed to tell anyone the details,” said Dr.
Ford in her opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 27.
Even though Dr. Ford’s testimony did not stop Kavanaugh from being confirmed, it continued the national conversation about sexual assault.
Even if someone reporting their story does not have the outcome they hoped for it still adds to the conversation and gives others the strength to share their story. It can show someone that they have nothing to feel ashamed of and that they should be able to tell someone.
The #MeToo movement has shown no signs of slowing down as people continue to share their stories in what seems to be a chain reaction. People see others sharing their stories and are comforted in knowing that they are not the only ones who have gone through similar situations.
From there they take whatever action that they are most comfortable with, whether that is sharing their story online, with someone they trust or keeping it to themselves. Seeing the other stories can be a form of relief for people who have been sexually assaulted.
Starting a conversation is the first of many steps in changing the system for the better. It is the first step in getting people to believe the victims and to take stories like this more seriously. The more people talk about stories like this, the more people can understand why they didn’t come forward sooner and start taking steps to help themselves.
Dr. Ford only felt comfortable talking to the Senate Judiciary Committee after talking to her husband and her therapist.
“I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school,” said Dr. Ford.
Dr. Ford and the women who came out before her have only continued the conversation on sexual assault which is getting them closer to seeing the changes they want. Dr. Ford has shown others that instead of losing hope and giving up, people should continue to speak up and share their stories.
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