Not long ago I listened to the testimony before a Senate panel by Christine Blasey Ford as she told about a sexual assault experience when she was just 15 years old. There was no doubt she was quite uncomfortable expressing her feelings...even years after that event. She was also very real, and extremely credible. Brett Kavanaugh was not impressive with his testimony.
The Republican men (there were only males on that side of the panel) wisely had a female question Blasey Ford. Their lack of sensitivity showed up later when they questioned why a victim of sexual assault would wait so many years to talk about the experience. They obviously had not done their homework. There can be many reasons for not talking; such as denial that it happened, shame, fear that you won't be believed, or simply wanting to feel normal again.
The experience Christine Blasey Ford described – instigated by two boys she knew and likely trusted – would have had a tremendous impact on any young girl. Maybe those Republican Senators were not aware that boys who are molested by priests, or by coaches, most often do not tell their stories until many years later...if at all. Or is it possible that those wise Senators have chosen to ignore that fact. After all, it was important for them to paint Blasey Ford as part of a Democratic conspiracy to bring down a Republican nominee.
I am writing this prior to the results of the FBI investigation, and prior to any Senate vote regarding the nominee. Kavanaugh may be the new judge on the Supreme Court, or he may have been passed over for another candidate. There is no doubt in my mind that he is not fit to be a judge. He was anything but calm and forthright while giving his testimony. His reference to “the left,” “the Clintons,” and “the press” in his opening statement did not reflect the thoughts of someone who is neutral and non-partisan...necessary qualities for a jurist.
As painful as the experience of telling her story for the world to hear would have been for Christine Blasey Ford, she has helped women. Many women have come forward with their stories. However, sexual assault is not the only issue women need to address.
There still is a gender wage gap, and while there is improvement in representation in government...there is still much room for improvement. While men can suffer domestic abuse...it is much more common for women to suffer serious injury and death...and the incidents of abuse are more often committed against women. Also...when a woman is sexually assaulted she most likely will be asked if she was drinking...and notice will be taken regarding what she was wearing at the time.
It is also notable that women still need to take steps to avoid assault. It is best not to take a walk at night without a companion. For a woman living in an urban area a first floor apartment requires locked windows...even in the heat of summer. A woman out for a jog must be aware of her surroundings, and it is best to do the run in a very public area. A woman needs to be on high alert when going to her car in a public parking facility.
There is one additional thing I have noted over the years...and it is still occurring. When you women entertainers sing they seem to only get attention when they are wearing provocative attire – regardless of their talent. Sadly, they seem to accept this “standard.” I have often wondered how male entertainers would react if a similar manner of attire was expected of them?
Shirley Hallee is a freelance writer living in Amherst. Her column appears weekly in the Amherst News.