Leslie, thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece.
One thing that really struck me is that trust is built—or broken—long before a case ever reaches a courtroom. Protecting survivors' identities, listening before defending, communicating with transparency, and demonstrating through actions that survivors matter shouldn't be political issues. They should be the baseline for any institution entrusted with justice.
At the same time, I hope we continue to invest just as much energy in preventing harm before it happens. We need systems that not only respond better after an assault, but help reduce the number of people who ever become survivors in the first place. Accountability and prevention aren't competing priorities—they're both essential.
Hope, thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment. You said it perfectly—"accountability and prevention aren't competing priorities." I completely agree. We need major improvements in both areas. Sexual assault needs to be rarer and treated like the horrific sex crime it is by authorities and institutions when it does happen.
Leslie, thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece.
One thing that really struck me is that trust is built—or broken—long before a case ever reaches a courtroom. Protecting survivors' identities, listening before defending, communicating with transparency, and demonstrating through actions that survivors matter shouldn't be political issues. They should be the baseline for any institution entrusted with justice.
At the same time, I hope we continue to invest just as much energy in preventing harm before it happens. We need systems that not only respond better after an assault, but help reduce the number of people who ever become survivors in the first place. Accountability and prevention aren't competing priorities—they're both essential.
Hope, thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment. You said it perfectly—"accountability and prevention aren't competing priorities." I completely agree. We need major improvements in both areas. Sexual assault needs to be rarer and treated like the horrific sex crime it is by authorities and institutions when it does happen.
That “apology” is so hideous. Absolutely atrocious behavior all around. Sickening.
100%. It was dismissive and hollow.