A Response to the Cosby Verdict
NPEIV recognizes that the response to sexual violence in law and society has been pervasively unequal, inadequate, and ineffective. The secrecy and shame that are common aftereffects of sexual assault as well as the victim blaming that often occurs after a survivor comes forward, contribute to a well acknowledged reluctance to report by many victims. These are just a few reasons why we applaud the guilty verdict in the Bill Cosby retrial.
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, more victims of sexual violence are finally being believed. This is a watershed moment for our country and NPEIV is hopeful this verdict will be a catalyst for long standing cultural change – sexual violence is not something to be tolerated or ignored, it is something to be prevented and eradicated. It is important that survivors of this type of victimization be able to speak out and receive the intervention and treatment to help in the recovery and healing from the trauma. It is time we all step up and do our part to prevent sexual violence, abuse, and harassment. Additionally, while we support victims of sexual violence getting their day in court we also support criminal justice reform that addresses inequalities directed towards people of color, the poor, and other disenfranchised groups.
The National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence (NPEIV) is an overarching group of individuals, organizations, agencies, and groups that embrace a national, multi-disciplinary, and multicultural commitment to prevent violence and abuse across the lifespan. NPEIV is committed to promoting sensible laws and policies, and encouraging healthy relationships.
Through our many partnerships and collaborations, it is our vision to end all types of interpersonal violence, for all people, in all communities, at all stages of life.