Ford's grilling shows why some women keep quiet

If you watched the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, you probably understand a little better why women stay silent about sexual assault. Look at what happens when they do speak. The victim goes on trial — not the person she says assaulted her. The victim is disbelieved. She is disrespected.

We’re not talking about reasonable challenges to Dr. Ford’s allegation that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party when they were both teenagers. We’re talking about the shaming, blaming and threats she’s endured. She’s had to move because she’s afraid for her family’s safety. “I have been called the most vile and hateful names imaginable,” she said.

If you watched the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, you probably understand a little better why women stay silent about sexual assault. Look at what happens when they do speak. The victim goes on trial — not the person she says assaulted her. The victim is disbelieved. She is disrespected.

We’re not talking about reasonable challenges to Dr. Ford’s allegation that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party when they were both teenagers. We’re talking about the shaming, blaming and threats she’s endured. She’s had to move because she’s afraid for her family’s safety. “I have been called the most vile and hateful names imaginable,” she said.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/commentary-fords-grilling-shows-why-some-women-keep-quiet/