We are furious, Senator Grassley

The Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault (IowaCASA) released the following statement today in response to the 11-10 vote to advance Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the full Senate, despite multiple allegations of sexual assault against him from Professor Christine Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez, and Julie Swetnick.

From Beth Barnhill, Executive Director of IowaCASA:

We are furious about today’s vote to advance the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court justice to the full Senate. We believe Professor Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez, and Julie Swetnick. Today’s vote sends a hurtful message to survivors. This is shameful. Professor Blasey Ford’s credible testimony of Judge Kavanaugh sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers cannot continue to be ignored.

Survivors watching the actions of our elected officials are angry about being silenced and ignored. We are angered by Senator Grassley’s insensitivity and shameful displays during these proceedings. We will continue to stand with all survivors, and we will continue to hold those who commit sexual violence accountable.

We thank the tireless advocates and volunteers who are answering phones, meeting with survivors, and working in their communities throughout this triggering process. We know it has been difficult. We know it has been exhausting. We love and appreciate you.

To survivors—we see you, we believe you, and we support you.