In Response to the Kavanaugh Hearings

The National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence (NPEIV) is an overarching group of individuals, organizations, agencies, coalitions, and groups that embrace a national, multi-disciplinary and multicultural commitment to violence prevention across the lifespan.

And we are extremely concerned regarding the attitudes and behavior of the President and congressional leaders in their recent response to victims of sexual assault and abuse. These responses show a lack of understanding of the dynamics of assault and abuse as well as contribute to a rape culture that condones sexual violence and continues to blame victims. Sexual abuse is likely the most under-reported crime in the United States and the victim blaming demonstrated recently by the President and congressional leaders is a stark example of why sexual assault victims do not report abuse. Suggesting that sexual abuse did not occur because there were no witnesses or that a victim deserved what happened because they were intoxicated further demonstrates this lack of understanding of the complexities of sexual assault . The research on abuse and assault dynamics is clear, and the callous reactions of our current political leaders are appalling. Support for a candidate for the supreme court, prior to a comprehensive investigation of his sexual conduct is unacceptable. So too is a president publicly mocking a sexual assault victim. Additionally, the implication that all men would be guilty of the same abusive behaviors is patently false and an affront to all decent men. Those who have the strength and courage to report abuse against powerful men, no matter when it may have occurred, face numerous threats to their safety and reputations and should be applauded for their courage and strength rather than have their credibility questioned. These are true patriots who are making a huge personal sacrifice to protect the country from having an alleged sexual abuser on the Supreme Court.

NPEIV is committed to reducing interpersonal violence and its consequences through scientific research and application of empirical findings. It is our mission to make the prevention of interpersonal violence a national and international priority and to encourage healthy relationships by linking science, practice, policy and advocacy.

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.