FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2018
Contact: Jolene Cardenas,
Director of Communications and Development
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA)
Direct Line: 720.330.8922
Email: jolene@ccasa.org
Website: www.ccasa.org
STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF BRETT KAVANAUGH TO SCOTUS
Once again survivors have shared their stories and their pain, and, once again, those stories and that pain have been minimized, mocked, and discounted. We cannot demand that survivors come forward, when we are not willing to listen to them and conduct appropriate investigations when they do. Our systems and our culture continue to fail in protecting those who have been harmed by sexual violence and in holding those accountable who have caused that harm.
However, survivors will not be silenced.
Over the past year, the voices of survivors have been louder and stronger than ever. CCASA will keep working to amplify those voices, especially those of survivors from communities that are the most vulnerable and least heard – Native American women, immigrants, people who identify as LGBTQI, people with disabilities. Together, we can create change.
Many survivors have been emboldened by #MeToo and the courage of survivors like Dr. Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez, and Julie Swetnick. Others are feeling retraumatized, particularly by the comments and behaviors of those who are supposed to represent us and lead our nation. Whatever you are feeling, it is ok.
If you need support, there are those who will believe you and help you. If you want to take action to help create change, we encourage you to contact your local sexual assault center about volunteering or donating. To find services near you in Colorado, visit youhavetherightco.org or to find services anywhere in the nation call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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