Believe Survivors.
by Ann Warner on Sep 28, 2018
Statement from Ann Warner, CEO, WREN
This week we witnessed the courage of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford as she shared her experience of sexual assault before the Senate Judiciary Committee. As we watched her, we carry our histories with us: we remember the strength of Professor Anita Hill years ago when she came forward with her story of sexual harassment; we scroll through our social media feeds and see the #MeToo and #WhyIDidntReport stories of our friends; and for many of us, we remember our own stories of sexual assault. We know the right thing to do: #BelieveSurvivors.
While we’re dismayed that the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send the nomination to the Senate before conducting a FBI investigation, we’re hopeful that a full investigation is on the horizon, and we stand stronger than ever in our value that women’s voices matter. Although this week was a public and visible reminder of the systemic ways women’s experiences are discredited and discarded, women like Ana Maria Archila and Maria Gallagher remind us that our voices are powerful.
We will keep showing up, speaking up, and voting. We will not accept the presumption that sexual assault and women giving voice to their experiences is a partisan issue. It isn’t. Sexual assault affects women, men and gender oppressed peoples; Democrats, Republicans and Independents, and people from every economic and racial walk of life.
We will continue speaking up and giving our members and supporters avenues for telling their stories and connecting with decision makers. Click here to connect directly with your Senators via patch-thru call and urge them to oppose Kavanaugh during the full senate hearing.
Keep the conversation going. Click here for a Facebook Live interview with Ann, Megan, and WREN members and supports regarding the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing and let us know what you think.