In the wake of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony against Brett Kavanaugh in front of the US Senate Judiciary Committee, we at the Boston College Women’s Center want to reiterate our support for survivors of sexual violence and offer/remind our community about the resources available.
We applaud Dr. Ford for speaking out in a setting that draws so much attention and scrutiny. Coming forward on this scale is retraumatizing and is nothing less than an act of bravery and a resilient devotion to civic duty. We also believe the setting makes it increasingly important and obvious that she be believed.
As we watch the confirmation process play out, we are reminded of the long way we have to go to eradicate gender-based sexual violence. While staying updated with important current events is an integral part of becoming and remaining a good citizen, we implore those who have traumas that may be related in any way to prioritize accessing resources that will allow them to take care of themselves, and/or approach all media consumption strategically.
Example of such strategies may include reading summaries of the hearings after they occur live or waiting until media frenzies that only encourage sensationalizations and insensitivity are over. Please remember, these are devastating events that are increasingly worrisome to watch—take care of yourself.
Resources on campus are already in place for anyone who may find these events difficult to process. Peer counseling is available at the Women’s Center in Maloney 441 from 10:00am-4:00pm every week day, with special hours on Wednesdays from 10:30am-4:00pm.
Confidential resources are available through our CARE Team every weekday from 3:00-4:00pm, and by appointment.
The Sexual Assault Network (SANet) Hotline is also a confidential resource, and is available 24/7. The hotline is staffed with trained, on-campus advocates, and accessible for all community members. The SANet number (617-552-2211) can be found on the back of your Eagle ID card.
University Counseling Services, housed in Gasson 001, and is available to call 24/7 at 617-552-3310.
In support and solidarity,
Amirah Orozco
Dougie Zubizarreta
Franchesca Araujo
Julia Barrett
Maithri Harve
Djanan Kernizan
Maggie Haesler
Eliza Manriquez
Janani Sundaresan
Victory Adikema
Teresa Sullivan
Sam Goober
Courtney Wright
Katie Dalton, Women’s Center Director
Featured Image Courtesy of the Associated Press
