Sexual Assault Victims, Jesus, and the President

I am once again heart sick after hearing our current president openly mock and make fun of a sexually assaulted female who was brave enough to tell her story. I am heart sick because I have been in the room when a sexually assaulted person is brave enough for the first time to say, “I am a victim.” I am heart sick because I can vividly recall the fresh tears of assault victims as they openly weep due to the horrific trauma of being raped or abused. I am heart sick because I have a daughter and I shudder at the thought of her growing up in a world where an assault victim is openly made fun of by a person in a position of high power.

A person might respond, “What about the politics of it all? What if the democrats are trying to sabotage the GOP’s right to hold a vote on the Supreme Court? What if she‘s not telling the truth?” I’m not focused on politics and I believe that Dr. Ford is telling the truth. Regarding the Supreme Court, I believe the president’s words today are about something much bigger than the Supreme Court. They’re about loving the abused, the raped, and the assaulted the way Jesus would. Sadly, the president’s comments are perfect examples as to why so many sexually assaulted victims choose to not come forward. (See link below for further understanding as to why victims often do not report.) And, his words will delegitimize future proclamations of being a victim.

If you are a Christ-follower, I encourage you to think about this question, “How would Jesus respond to Dr. Ford?” Think about the Woman-at-the-Well. Reflect on the story of Mary Magdalene. I’m afraid our current president would make fun of the Women-at-the-Well’s water jar or mock Mary Magdalene’s past. Again, if you are a Christ-follower, please compare the actions of Christ to the actions of the current president when considering women who have been sexually assaulted.

My heart aches. The blank stares, the bodily convulsions from violent weeping, and the terrifying flashbacks of the victims I’ve worked with will not allow me to be quiet about the president’s words today. My faith in Jesus will not allow me to stay quiet when an assault victim is mocked. Jesus calls us to a higher standard. Lord, may that change begin with me.


(Link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-compassion-chronicles/201711/why-dont-victims-sexual-harassment-come-forward-sooner?amp&__twitter_impression=true)