Statement in response to Bernie Sanders comments on how to investigate campus rape
Statement Shaunna Thomas, co-founder of UltraViolet in response to Bernie Sanders comments on how to investigate campus rape:
“Police and prosecutors routinely fail survivors of sexual assault. Bernie Sanders’ position fails to acknowledge the reality many survivors face. We have seen time and time again that the criminal justice system falls short when it comes to investigating and prosecuting rape–in fact, just two of every 100 perpetrators of sexual violence ever see a day behind bars. Bernie Sanders’ position fails to address the epidemic of campus rape, and would hurt rather than help survivors. Sexual assault isn’t just a crime–it’s a civil rights violation–and schools are required by law to address it. The decision about whether or not to report an assault to law enforcement should be entirely up to the survivor.
Bernie Sanders can and must do better. He should meet with survivors, hear from them directly, and then work to develop a more comprehensive plan to deal with this serious issue.”
For interviews with UltraViolet please contact Andrea Alford at 703-477-1075 or andrea@weareultraviolet.com.
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UltraViolet is an online community of over 700,000 women and men who want to take collective action to expose and fight sexism in the public sector, private sector and the media. Find out more at WeAreUltraViolet.org.