Thread by @Spiritual_Annie

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford: My 2018 Heroine

(THREAD)

On September 27, 2018, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford raised her right hand, swore to tell the truth to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and changed history—especially of the #MeToo movement.

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#Sigma2018

While Brett Kavanaugh was ultimately confirmed to SCOTUS, Dr. Ford's testimony exampled that of a courageous survivor speaking truth to power on national television. This is how awareness is raised.

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#BelieveSurvivors
#Sigma2018

At first glance, Dr. Ford didn't appear to be courageous. In fact, she didn't believe herself to be. But as a fellow survivor, I know how much it takes to be fearful and to do what one thinks is right regardless. This IS courage.

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#BelieveSurvivors
#Sigma2018

Dr. Ford's testimony was an example of the typical memory of a survivor of trauma—at times halting, at times very detailed, and with some gaps about the events surrounding a #SexualAssault. You can read or watch her testimony here: cnn.com/videos/politic…

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#Sigma2018

The biggest "tell" of her honesty, IMHO, was Dr. Ford's answer when questioned about the most memorable part of the #SexualAssault. She said it was the young men's laughter at her expense. This reflects the shame and anger most survivors feel.

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#Sigma2018

Typical, too, are the often decades that a survivor stays silent about her or his #SexualAssault. This is driven by fear of threats, unearned shame from society, fear of not being believed, not wanting to make it more real, and self-shame, among other effects.

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#Sigma2018

Dr. Ford was probably already reliving the #SexualAssault. I had flashbacks, night terrors—even body memories. It was reflected in my mistrust, general high anxiety, and even in being an overachiever to prove to myself I am a worthy, valuable, lovable person.

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#Sigma2018

Many of us end up in fields related to psychology, as Dr. Ford did. We want to understand the "why", and we want no one to EVER have to experience what we did. We often become advocates and therapists for those who have.

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#BelieveSurvivors
#Sigma2018

Not only did Dr. Ford change the #MeToo movement, but raised the awareness of the nation about how those with privilege and power are able to cover it up. It's widened and turned up the volume on the issue of sexual assault. This helps remove social stigma.

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#Sigma2018

These are the reasons Dr. Christine Blasey Ford is my 2018 Heroine!

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#BelieveSurvivors
#Sigma2018