I believe her!
This post contains mature themes that refer to sexual misconduct and sexual assault. If at anytime you are feeling overwhelmed please seek help. You are not alone and there are people out there to help you.
From the Department of Justice website.
“If you are in immediate danger, call 911. OVW does not provide services directly to the general public. Find local help on our map or call the national hotline:
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
Advocates are also available to chat 24/7
National Center for Victims of Crime
1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)”
Dr Christine Blasey Ford was forced to step into the legions of victims who were forced into telling their stories on the public stage. After telling their story they are then attack for no good reason. People act as they do not believe the victim just because of the politics of the day. I can only only look up the victims who have the power to step up and speak out. Thank you J.D. Anita Hill, because you spoke up when I was young man I learned what sexual harassment is. Thank you Dr Christine Blasey Ford for speaking out so people can have a chance to learn what sexual assault is and they will speak out.
Where is the political leadership from both sides of the debate making it clear that sexual assault is not okay?
Why Sexual Assault matters to me is because I love freedom. When a predator attacks a victim they take away that victim’s freedom. That victim must live a lifetime with their freedom taken away or until they are able to get help. That help is not a simple take this pill once and it is gone but it will take years for them to recover.
In the past month I started to listen to books on tape from the library while doing mundane tasks. One of the first books I started was Jon Krakauer’s, Missoula. If you have not read the book tells the narrative of sexual assault victims in the small town of Missoula. I have not been able to finish this book because of when I served as a MP (Military Police) Officer at the community level I helped with the SARB (Sexual Assault Review Board). My duties at the SARB was to answer questions that leadership would have for first responders. I would sit in the back while the facts of the case would be briefed. After hearing what these predators would do to their victims I knew that I was unable to be a law enforcement officer.
The few times I have heard about someone being a victim of sexual assault since I have retired from the army I have a visceral reaction. The feeling of hopelessness and helplessness just radiates from my core. For this reason I am unable to finish the book Missoula and or watch the testimony of Professor Christine Blasey Ford.
My recommendations are simple, make the laws regarding sexual assault as simple as if it is not consenting then it is wrong. Even the threat of non-consensual should be wrong. Victims will be heard and a disinterested person(s) will see the facts of the case no matter how small. The United States of America the freedom loving land owes this to all persons under its governorship.
No one is perfect and I know that I was not always perfect but with the power of insight I know I can be better.