Everyone will have an opinion on the Hearing on the Supreme Court Judge nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Professor Christine Blasey Ford.
This is my opinion piece:
Are there benefits for Christine Blasey Ford in speaking up about a sexual assault that was committed by Brett Kavanaugh three decades ago? People are asking why now? Because the truth cannot be hidden, the trauma will not be dismissed or excused away, because she found her voice. This nominee, if successful will have tremendous influence and power of women’s issues for decades. A person’s personality and attitudes towards women is going be a huge part of any decisions. He will not forget this hearing and his humiliation.
Judge Kavanaugh’s true character and attitudes towards women was revealed to Christine Blasey Ford years ago. If he assaulted once he probably did it again. Looks like he did with a second and third women coming forward with similar allegations. Years of silence is not a dismissal of ‘a misunderstanding’. Victim’s remember their assault. Victim’s do what they need to do to survive. It is clear to everyone that Judge Kavanaugh has not taken responsibility for his behavior. We cannot hide from our past.
In case you are wondering the stats do not lie on the staggering numbers of victims. 60% of victims are under 16 years of age. There is no hiding from the reality of sexual assault stats and number of women and girls who are sexually assaulted every 98 seconds in the United States. This is the reality.
As a retired police officer, as a victim of sexual assault by a co-worker it is disappointing when people are quick to pass judgement on victims, quick to judge a victim’s motives for speaking up or reasons for remaining silent. Twenty-five years I remember every detail. It appears that victims continue to be victimized. Until it happens to you or someone you love do you truly understand.
In the CTV interview Josh Crabb asked questions about the reaction to Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony and what impact for other victims.
“Sherry Lee Benson-Podolchuk retired from the RCMP in 2009 due to bullying and harassment. Benson-Podolchuk said Blasey Ford’s testimony is another significant moment in the #MeToo movement.”
“What she did yesterday is she shared her trauma,” said Benson Podolchuk. “Not only first with her therapist or her family, then with the world, knowing full well she would be damned if she spoke up and damned if she didn’t speak up.”
“I think that it was so important to share that trauma in as many details and be able to explain what happened from her perspective.”
Benson-Podolchuk said coming forward couldn’t have been easy for Blasey Ford.“Anytime there’s a position of power there’s always that fear, who’s going to believe me.”
It is never too late to speak up. To find your voice is part of the healing journey and reclaiming your power.
https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/mobile/everybody-s-healing-journey-is-very-different-advocates-weigh-in-on-how-the-kavanaugh-hearing-impacts-survivors-1.4114471