Washington, DC – Fatima Goss Graves, president of the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund and a founder of the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund, released the following statement after Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend of Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, alleged he had sexually assaulted her:
“These allegations against a powerful man are horrific, and unfortunately, show us once again why it can take years—or even decades—for survivors to come forward. The criminal justice system is not built to address the needs of survivors of sexual assault, and it is extraordinarily common for those who have experienced assault to see no realistic path to accountability. Survivors’ decisions about when to speak and when to stay silent deserve our respect, as they are the experts in their own lives.
“We have seen, time and again, the abuse and harassment survivors can face when they speak out against powerful men. We cannot repeat that history by subjecting Ms. Racicot or anyone else who comes forward to further attacks, punishment, and silencing. Survivors deserve to be heard, treated with dignity, and given the space and grace to come forward without fear of retaliation. Mr. Platner should demonstrate the leadership of showing that respect to Ms. Racicot and calling on his supporters to do the same.”
The TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund is the only nationwide resource for people facing workplace sex harassment and retaliation to connect with legal help, and the only legal defense fund that provides dedicated funding for legal representation and media and storytelling assistance in workplace sex harassment and retaliation matters.
###
Categories