#WhyIDidntReport, The #MeToo Movement and Judge Brett Kavanaugh
#WhyIDidntReport is the latest evolution of the #MeToo movement which has sprung up out of the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination fiasco. For those of you that know my history, my novels, and my blog posts, it could be assumed that I would automatically take the side of the female accuser (note that I respect the fact she has requested her name not be published). The reality is: I do support her–with reservation. Before you judge me for hedging, accuse me of being a victim-shamer, or assume I’m a Trump supporter, hear me out.
This has been a lifelong, not recent, issue I have been fighting. By the time I left high school I had already stopped two date-rapes and one physical sexual assault. Had I coached young men past high school, I would have continued to make respect for women, in words and deeds, a part of every sports team that I coached to insure my male athletes understood their superior strength, and size, did not give them the right to “take” what they wanted from female classmates or to feel superior with a right to dominate. I’ve written novels, blog posts, articles, and recovery resource guide to help women find help with both recovery and escape when necessary. I note all of these things to point out one simple thing: Ladies, I’m on your side.
Let’s look at some numbers:
31.7 percent of college males would commit rape if they knew they would not get caught— Denying Rape but Endorsing Forceful Intercourse: Exploring Differences Among Responders. Dr. Sarah Edwards University of North Dakota. Download the report (This is a small sample, but it is consistent with the much larger study by the Department of Justice referenced in my novel FBoM)
On average 321,500 women will be sexually assaulted each and every year. Approximately 21% of the female population have been victims. — RAINN
7 out of ten sexual assaults are committed by men that are known by the woman–– RAINN
94% of women who are raped experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the two weeks following the rape. RAINN
30% of women report symptoms of PTSD 9 months after the rape. RAINN
33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide. RAINN
13% of women who are raped attempt suicide. RAINN
70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress, a larger percentage than for any other violent crime. RAINN
Between 70 and 80% of women do not report rape or sexual assaults either due to fear, shame, or lack of faith in the justice system. RAINN
Watch the video
So, knowing all of that, why would I hedge on the Kavanaugh situation?
Because politics is involved. Although I tend to believe the woman, it would be best for the facts to come out. Support, especially in cases such as this, should be caring, understanding, and given proper investigation before someone is automatically assumed guilty. In most cases, there is no “agenda” for a victim to speak out other than one of closure, healing, or justice. Situations such as this one can be different. Whenever there is power, money, or politics involved it’s best to go slowly and find the truth before simply convicting in the court of public opinion.
Do I mind if a man’s life gets ruined for something he did in college or high school? Not really. How many women’s lives have been altered forever by the actions of an appalling number of males? If Mr. Kavanaugh is guilty, I hope he pays a very steep price. If he is not, then I hope his accuser and her supporters are called out for political shenanigans. Either way, I’m waiting for the full story to come out, and the real investigation to report their findings, before I judge.