Sexual Assault Allegations Against Brett Kavanaugh And Why Our Voices Matter

We as a society put a lot of trust into people of hierarchy; simply because we are told to do so. They are chosen and placed there for a reason. They are seen as educators, leaders and the ones with the loudest voice we so easily trust and listen to. But what happens when we trust the wrong one? What happens when the skeletons of their closets leak and reality sinks in that some of the worst are right in front of our TV screens.

Let’s talk about Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. He’s has had a tough week. But undoubtedly not as bad as his victims, who have come forward, speaking about their sexual assault experience with him. His ugly past has snuck up on him, and even his good friend, Donald can’t dig him out to this one. 

Four women have come forward and finally spoke publicly about their sexual assault experience with Kavanaugh back in their college days. Since then, it has sparked a lot of talk and controversy online. One of the allegations was made in an anonymous letter, stating that Kavanaugh assaulted women while severely drunk in 1998. Another letter was made by a Rhode Island man who says he witnessed the sexual assault of the school acquaintances. 

Isn’t it unfortunate that women today still feel that they need to remain anonymous when speaking about their own sexual assault experience? Women’s voices are still put on the back burner and questioned facts and details instead of lending a much-needed hand for support. 

Donald Trump was quick to give his two cents on the matter. Publicly stating on Twitter earlier this week,  “I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr. Ford was as bad as she says, charges would have been immediately filed with local Law Enforcement Authorities by either her or her loving parents. I ask that she bring those filings forward so that we can learn date, time and place!” 

This sparked a massive public outcry on social media, conveying thousands of women sharing their personal stories and experiences and why they didn’t report their own sexual assault. With the hashtag #WhyIDidntReport. 

Another unfortunate example of women feeling like they don’t have a voice to share their story, because of the hierarchy of men that won’t take them seriously. 

Next up, Jameela Jamil’s “I Weigh” Insta-movement encourages women’s self-worth.