Over the last few weeks many of us have witnessed with horror a survivor of sexual assault giving televised testimony in the USA and, despite her compelling evidence, the alleged perpetrator being appointed as a Supreme Court Judge, and further the survivor being called a liar by the President.
For survivors this will have affected them very deeply, and I would like to highlight the local project – Survivors Network – who can support you. Their telephone number is 01273 203380 and their website is http://www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk.
I wrote a letter to Dr Christine Blasey Ford to thank her for her courage. Here is what I wrote:
“I am a Labour Party Councillor leading on equalities among other responsibilities (including the commissioning of services for survivors of domestic and sexual assault).
“I am writing to you to express my support for you in courageously coming forward and trying to protect others from the misogyny and pain and you have experienced.
“So many residents in the ward I represent and so many victims of sexual violence here in Brighton and Hove want to express their support. And so do I.
“Many people will have written to you more eloquently than I ever could about the global impact your voice made. Many will have written to you about the personal impact your courage has had on them. I just wanted to say thank you for doing the right thing.
“As things stand, it’s easy to be silent. It was not easy to do the right thing, but it’s the difference between civilisation and totalitarianism, living and surviving.”
There are times when the actions of one person can inspire a generation. I believe Dr Blasey Ford’s brave actions will. If you would like to write as well, the address being given is c/o of her university. She is currently unable to live at home because of the level of threats of retribution violence.
You can send a message of support to Dr Christine Blasey Ford, c/o Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304.
Councillor Emma Daniel is the Labour lead for Equalities on Brighton and Hove City Council.
