Dear Editor:

Every survivor of sexual assault recognized the veracity of Dr. Christine Ford’s traumatic attack description. Later, 2,400 University law professors, including those from Yale and Harvard, withdrew approval of Brett Kavanaugh, due largely to Kavanaugh’s inability to factually explore deeper as research recognizes victims don’t forget traumatic details.

The U.S. has a rape culture where rape may be occurring as frequently here as elsewhere in the world, but our culture does not hold the abuser responsible, instead it blames the victims.

The public hearing was a gift when after receiving death threats Dr. Ford courageously arrived to share her painful memory. She woke up millions of survivors, helping us know it’s okay to share our stories now.

Then, as politicians remained in denial, a 32-year-old man became concerned by all of the harm described when he read Robyn Swirling’s article. Robyn was a former classmate of this man many years ago. Many of her offenders were from the same town as Brett and Christine. This occurred more than 15 years ago, yet the man thanked her for having the courage to allow offensive memories back in her life. As a married father, he believed he could not be a person who crossed a line causing pain. America’s salvation came when he found he had crossed that line. This man, like a judge, searched for truth. It is rare that a survivor is blessed with a sexual offender who wants to atone his wrongs in life. It is even more rare to have it fall on the heels of events that have pounded the hearts and eyes of millions of women.

The man froze. He could not speak. It was late, but he had not finished his investigation for truth needed for healing his friend. He awoke to understanding why offenders are unaware of the weight of their actions. This offender has demonstrated in real life how truth sets you free. Denial doesn’t help anyone. Heartfelt truth is the best medicine, but not everyone is able to accept truth.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb