Nina Petrovic-On Oct. 6, Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice after a bitter, polarizing battle concerning his sexual assault allegations. Kavanaugh was confirmed 50-48 during roll call, making the two-vote margin one of the narrowest ever for a Supreme Court nominee.
Kavanaugh’s nomination was more than just filling in a seat in the Supreme Court Justice. The allegations against Kavanaugh further raised the darker, emotional topic of sexual assault and why survivors do not report sooner, as President Trump has asked over and over.
To President Trump, I would like to give you the reasons why I did not report my sexual abuse right away. The first time, I was traumatized. I was victim-blamed. I was told it was my fault for choosing to go home with someone who later took advantage of me. Why would I report when I fully believed people around me that it was my fault for being assaulted?
The second time, I was trapped. I did not know that what was happening to me was defined as sexual abuse. I was manipulated into thinking it was normal. It had taken months for me to step back from the situation and realize that I was stuck in a toxic environment.
To the survivors everywhere, I am sorry that our government has decided that our voices do not matter. That our bravery to speak out about what happened to us has been ignored. I am sorry that our government has decided to confirm a judge who has shown he is not even-tempered to make decisions that impact our country. However, we will continue to fight against sexual assault and provide support for those who have been hurt. For those who continue to not be believed. This must not be the end, but further reason to keep this discussion going.
Hannah Branit-To all survivors everywhere; please take care of yourself. You are so incredibly strong and brave — we hear you and we believe you. This week has forced some of us to relive some of the most traumatic events of our lives. Hearing people in a position of power essentially invalidate these events and confirm Brett Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court justice has made this week one of the hardest ones of my life. I have found myself torn between anger, despair and debilitating fear.
When I was assaulted, I did not know who to turn to and who would believe me. I did not even know whether what happened to me could be considered assault. Thankfully, I found myself surrounded by an incredible community that was there for me every step of the way. CAPE became my main resource for everything, and I encourage you to reach out to them if this week has been harmful or triggering to you. Their promise to confidentiality means that they will listen to you and help you locate the resources to report if you wish to do so. They will not force you to report or do anything that you would not want to do.
Please take care of yourself this week. It can be exhausting to constantly fight for what is right. It’s okay to take a day off, and it is okay to not be okay. Know what you need, and make sure that you are taking care of yourself. We can, and we will continue to fight.
“Nevertheless, she persisted.”
