Christine Blasey Ford speaks out for the first time about the threats she and her family have faced.
It has been nearly two months since Christine Blasey Ford appeared before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to publicly testify on her claim that she was sexually assaulted by now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
In today’s political media environment, it feels like a lifetime. Since then, America went through a historic 2018 midterm election and the never ending ups and downs of the daily media cycle. Meanwhile, Kavanaugh’s nomination, and Ford’s relentless time under the public spotlight, have largely faded from the national conversation.
But Ford is still living with the very real repercussions of her decision to come forward.
In an update to GoFundMe campaign, Ford shared details about what’s happened to the fund dedicated to raising funds to pay for security costs she and her family endured after facing numerous threats.:
“The funds you have sent through GoFundMe have been a godsend. Your donations have allowed us to take reasonable steps to protect ourselves against frightening threats, including physical protection and security for me and my family, and to enhance the security for our home. We used your generous contributions to pay for a security service, which began on September 19 and has recently begun to taper off; a home security system; housing and security costs incurred in Washington DC, and local housing for part of the time we have been displaced. Part of the time we have been able to stay with our security team in a residence generously loaned to us.”
It’s a powerful reminder of how Ford’s life has been changed forever by coming forward.
Since Christine Blasey Ford came forward she has continued to receive death threats, has not been able to go back t… https://t.co/nCf8UnQcJH— Ro Khanna (@Ro Khanna) 1543015320.0
This thank you from Dr. #ChristineBlaseyFord epitomizes gratitude & grace. She inspires me to no end, as do all the… https://t.co/dcj4ei2hYc— My Underground Mother (@My Underground Mother) 1542933991.0
#Trump Someone asked me who should be Time Magazine's Person of the Year. My pick? CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD. With noth… https://t.co/VB3TLTkhOi— Mark Ira Kaufman (@Mark Ira Kaufman) 1543069508.0
Ford has continued to show an incredibly measured response to her situation. For example, to anyone who thinks she and her family are “profiting” from the experience, Ford writes:
“With immense gratitude, I am closing this account to further contributions. All funds unused after completion of security expenditures will be donated to organizations that support trauma survivors. I am currently researching organizations where the funds can best be used. We will use this space to let you know when that process is complete.”
At the end of the day, there’s unfortunately no denying that Ford and her supporters did not achieve the ultimate outcome they hoped for, mainly preventing Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court. But it’s clear Ford and many others see a measurable amount of progress from her brave actions, which have continued to move the #MeToo conversation forward in our public and private lives:
“Although coming forward was terrifying, and caused disruption to our lives, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my civic duty. Having done so, I am in awe of the many women and men who have written me to share similar life experiences, and now have bravely shared their experience with friends and family, many for the first time. I send you my heartfelt love and support.”