To say that we are disappointed and heartbroken would be an understatement. We had hoped for a different outcome than the one that has just occurred.
At the same time, we are filled with love and awe for the survivors, sisters and brothers, who bravely, courageously and boldly stood in their power to share the darkest secrets of their past. They turned their shame into activism, their anger into calls, and their silence into speak-outs. For this, we are forever changed, and forever grateful.
Now, it is time to turn our attention to elections. The last day to register to vote for the upcoming general election is this Tuesday, October 9th. Vote by mail ballots will be arriving in mailboxes soon after that. And then the mid-term elections will be here on Tuesday, November 6th.
We have work to do. The Violence Against Women Act is up for reauthorization. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act will hopefully be reauthorized this coming week. We need to fight for state funding for sexual violence prevention and response services. We need rape crisis centers and services for victims all across the state. Policies at every level of government impact victims of sexual and domestic violence daily.
The only way for us to continue to make an impact towards the end of sexual and domestic violence is to ensure that those in positions of power represent our voices and take our issues and concerns seriously. Engage with candidates. Ask questions. Be informed. And then vote.
Like our lives depend on it.
Please visit the Civic Engagement page on website to register to vote and get involved.