Dean’s Statement on Ford-Kavanaugh Hearings

Good morning to the SSW Community,

The recent news surrounding the Senate Hearings on the Kavanaugh nomination can be difficult for many of us to hear, particularly those who are survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse. I want to acknowledge this and try to offer some support and perspective.  Students, faculty, and staff may be feeling upset, vulnerable, and anxious following recent events.

Some have described this as a mass re-traumatization of millions via TV and social media. The National Sexual Assault Hotline received more than 3,000 calls on Friday September 28, a day after Christine Blasey Ford testified on Capitol Hill that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in high school.  RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization that administers the hotline, reported this as the busiest day in the hotline’s history, a 738% increase from its normal amount of daily calls.

The Kavanaugh confirmation process has once again exposed many of the fallacies that our culture repeats about rape and sexual violence, such as sexual misconduct perpetrated by men described as just, “boys being boys.” Or claiming that “real” victims of sexual assault would come forward immediately and anyone who waits is “a liar.” National statistics, often cited by some members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, repeatedly underscore the scope of the problem, the greater risk of some populations to be victims of sexual violence, and its long-term impacts on survivors.  The RAINN website offers these detailed statistics.

Sexual assault, which is any sexual contact that is against a person’s will or without consent, happens to women and men.  Many listening to the testimony last Thursday saw themselves in Dr. Blasey Ford’s story. As we approach the one-year anniversary of Alyssa Milano’s October 15, 2017 #MeToo tweet that went viral (and launched a social movement) in support of Rose McGowan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Harvey Weinstein, the potential confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to our nation’s highest court represents a test of how much we truly care about addressing sexual assault.

As social workers, we understand the importance of speaking out and social action.  The National Association of Social Work (NASW) has been actively opposing the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court since earlier this summer.  You can read more about their action steps here and learn how you can become more involved and empowered.

RAINN also has a very active policy agenda. Its Policy Action Center provides up-to-date information on proposed national and state legislation, as well as ways to contact legislators directly.

Of equal importance to action, I want to underscore the importance of self-care. Depending on your role, it may feel challenging for you to be a source of comfort, support and empowerment for others, when so many of us feel uncertain and disturbed by what’s happening.  There are steps you can take, beginning with stopping or taking breaks from news and social media.  A timely reminder from a fellow social worker on self-care can be found here.

Below please find a list of resources available to all of you, regardless of where you’re located:

BU Resources 

All BUSSW students: BU Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center 
BU Faculty/staff: Faculty & Staff Assistance Office

National

  • RAINN
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
    • You’ll be routed to a local RAINN affiliate organization based on the first six digits of your phone number. Cell phone callers can enter the ZIP code of their current location to more accurately locate the nearest sexual assault service provider.
  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center
  • NASW Therapy Referral Service

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

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