Walking out for victims of sexual assault
Christine Blasey Ford, the woman accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct, is getting support from people across the country. A growing number of alleged sexual assault survivors are now publicly sharing their stories and making #WhyIDidntReport and #BelieveSurvivors trend on social media.
This morning, thousands across the country stood in solidarity with victims of sexual assault, wearing black to show their support for survivors and participating in a walk-out.
KESQ & CBS Local 2’s Madison Weil spoke with local residents who participated, finding out why they chose to participate.
“It took me nearly forty years to be believed. I had a horrible, horrible incident happen while I was in the military and I was brushed off. And I wasn’t believed,” said Mika Moulton, former director of Christopher’s Clubhouse. Moulton explained why many victims of sexual assault choose to remain silent.
“We haven’t wanted to cause a stir. We haven’t wanted to rock the boat. We haven’t wanted to lose our jobs. We haven’t wanted to not be believed,” said Kristen Dolan, a Coordinator for Women United. “Survivors have their own reasons for not coming forward, and just because they didn’t come forward, doesn’t make their story any less true.”
President Donald Trump tweeted about Kavanaugh’s accuser on Friday saying “If the attack on Dr. Ford was as bad as she says, charges would have been immediately filed.”
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In response, more than 720,000 used the hashtag #WhyIDidntReport and #BelieveSurvivors to share their own stories. The National Sexual Assault Hotline reported that calls were “up 42 percent on Friday and Saturday.”
Our local sexual assault services center offers crisis counseling for victims and families. They are on call 24 hours a day at 760-568-9071.
“We are there with them from the beginning to the end,” said Winette Brenner, program director for Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services. “We know what they’re going through. We’re here to empower them. To get their voice back. Because it’s not their fault and that’s what a lot of women and just victims in general think.”
“For way too long we’ve sat back we’ve been victims of sexual harassment sexual abuse and I think that enough women have finally banded together to say enough is enough,” said Kristen Dolan, Women United Coordinator.
Survivors tell KESQ & CBS Local 2 if you’ve ever experienced sexual assault it’s so important to know that you are not alone. Once again, the number for our local 24-hour sexual assault hotline is 760-568-9071.
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