Thread by @CareInActionUSA

Today, we were joined by community activists, women leaders and partner organizations in Virginia as a commitment to stand with survivors everywhere. Based on recent behavior by Virginia's Lt. Gov. Fairfax and Sen. Morrisey, we are compelled to speak out. #BelieveBlackWomen

"Everyone deserves equality, safety and dignity at work. Working people’s voices and experiences have confirmed that all workplaces - from movie sets to farms to boardrooms - present challenges and risk factors for harassment." ~ @aerodgers

Unfortunately, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and the disabled are among the most vulnerable and have been historically excluded from critical civil rights and key protections.

We see this in many intersections throughout our communities. #BelieveBlackWomen

Last year, two women bravely made allegations of sexual assault against Fairfax, the 2nd most powerful man in Virginia. Following their accusations, Fairfax has made harmful statements about them and their credibility on social media and several public forums. #BelieveBlackWOmen

Additionally, Morrissey said in a radio interview this week, “I don’t believe the women." He later said he intends on giving a floor speech on this topic today.

That is why we are standing in solidarity today, and everyday, with survivors. #BelieveBlackWomen

"No one in a position of power – whether it be an employer, faith leader, professor or politician – should perpetuate a culture of harassment and bullying that silences women." ~ @aerodgers #BelieveBlackWomen

"Women stay silent because our society continually reinforces the idea that their voices do not matter."

It's imperative that when survivors of violence speak out, we stand with them and defend them. #BelieveBlackWomen

The overwhelming silence by other elected officials and @vademocrats leadership is equally harmful. It results in instilling a belief that if survivors come forward, no one will believe them.

Today, we invite you to #BelieveBlackWomen and stand with all survivors.

"We demand that a code of conduct with clear sanctions be adopted to bring real accountability measures...and both Fairfax and Morrissey issue a public apology for their actions." ~@aerodgers

The bullying, harassment and disparagement of accusers must stop. #BelieveBlackWomen

Thank you to @YWCArva for standing with us today. As Rupa Murthy said, "we start by believing survivors of sexual violence." #BelieveBlackWomen

"To be clear, sexual assault is never the survivors fault. This form of violence manifests in our communities through social norms and is often motivated by a power dynamic used to control, humiliate or harm." #BelieveBlackWomen

"It is incumbent upon all of us to use the power and privilege each of us has, to support those who are harassed, hold those who harass accountable, and create work spaces that do not tolerate sexual harassment or assault." #BelieveBlackWomen

If you are a survivor of violence, please know you are not alone. @YWCArva and sister agencies are court advocates, workforce navigators, shelter providers and mental health counselors. You can call the 24-hr Greater Richmond Regional Hotline at [phone].

“It is clear that the most powerful moment in the life of a survivor, is that motivating spark. To move from silence to voice.” ~ Rev. Lacette Cross, @Restoration_RVA #BelieveBlackWomen

"We come together today to recognize the power of healing that is possible within our communities."

"It is in this moment that we stand with and believe Black women." #BelieveBlackWomen

In the words of Whitney Houston: "Hold our heads up high. Realize that we were not meant nor built to break. Even in moments like this we do not even know our own strength." #BelieveBlackWomen

Julia Billingsley, former staffer to Fairfax, shares her gut-wrenching experience for someone whom she once considered a mentor and friend.

Instead of holding them accountable, she said we often "enshrine them into positions of power." #BelieveBlackWomen

"One year later, I continue to stand with these survivors. This is too important to stay silent." ~ Julia Billingsley

We echo the same sentiment. While we've reached a tipping point with the international focus on #Metoomovement and an outpouring of stories from survivors, our laws have lagged behind this cultural reckoning. #BelieveBlackWomen

We are calling on our leaders to use their actions and words to ensure that everyone can live and work in safety and with dignity. #BelieveBlackWomen