Donald Trump thinks Dr. Christine Blasey Ford couldn’t have been sexually assaulted because she didn’t report Brett Kavanaugh for allegedly assaulting her when it happened.
What Trump makes explicit is implicit in how survivors of assault are treated, covered, and discussed every day. After Trump tweeted, survivors responded with #WhyIDidntReport. The selection below proves there’s rarely just one reason. There are, however, common themes—every one of which can be cured by believing people when they report sexual assault.
Because it was a “friend” or a family member.
Because rape culture normalizes sexual assault and discourages reporting.
Because embarrassment, denial, and natural coping mechanisms are powerful.
Because of power, privilege, and fear. Threats both explicit and implicit.
Because of discrimination.
Because our institutions weren’t there for us—or discouraged us or attacked us.
Because the justice system wasn’t, or isn’t, there for us.
Because we knew what could happen if we reported.
And because we knew what probably wouldn’t happen even if we did report it.
For each story you read, remember that there are many more.