We believe survivors of sexual assault.

As a national nonprofit organization working to end gender-based street harassment worldwide, we know that the public sexual harassment that we’ve documented for years doesn’t happen in a vacuum: It is part of a broader rape culture that minimizes and perpetuates sexual violence. At its core, street harassment is about exerting power over someone else, disrespecting them, and in most cases sexually objectifying a person without consent. It is on the same spectrum of behavior as sexual assault and rape.

It is this understanding that compels us to speak out about the sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Since coming forward publicly with her allegations, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has faced questions – including from members of the U.S. Senate – about her honesty and credibility. She has faced unreasonable requests to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee prior to the FBI conducting a thorough and independent investigation. She has faced death threats and has reportedly had to move out of her home and hire private security. All for sharing her story.

And this is not unusual, this is the system survivors have come to expect, and is one of the many barriers that prevent so many from coming forward to reclaim their narrative.

Dr. Blasey Ford does not deserve this treatment. No survivor does. And we demand better.

We stand with survivors of sexual violence and call on senators to do right by them and this nation. When someone comes forward and courageously shares their story, we must listen to them – not attack their character. As this process moves forward, we’ll be watching.

–Stop Street Harassment Board of Directors

For help and resources, contact RAINN’s national sexual assault hotline at 800-656-HOPE or online here. Along with RAINN and Defend Yourself, SSH operates the national street harassment hotline. Call toll-free at 855-897-5910.