Many of us in the field of sexual violence prevention were galvanized in May 2023 when six men and three women on a New York jury awarded punitive damages after believing E. Jean Carroll’s testimony accusing Donald Trump of rape and defamation. Carroll’s statement says it all,
“This victory is not just for me but for every woman who has suffered because she was not believed.”
In many ways, this verdict was a sign that our cultural understandings of sexual violence were changing. Yet, it also indicates there is still much work ahead.
In 2014, Massachusetts’ statute of limitations for civil sex abuse cases was extended to age 53, but what made Carroll’s case possible was legislation passed in New York that permits survivors to pursue civil claims, regardless of when the incidents took place. We know that it can take years for survivors to feel empowered and ready to bring their testimony to the public forum, so that extension is critical.
Additionally, people who commit acts of sexual violence often employ defamatory attacks, bullying, and victim-blaming strategically to divert attention away from their violent behavior and dissuade survivors from pursuing justice through the legal system. The defendant’s continued remarks attacking Carroll’s character are an egregious example of this pattern of behavior. The defense team’s aggressive questioning further perpetuated the narrative that survivors are somehow to blame for their experiences. But the verdict served as a public acknowledgment that bullying and defamation of character are not acceptable no matter how powerful you happen to be.
The verdict has nudged us one step closer to a less violent world, yet our efforts must continue. Like the jury in this case, we need to recognize when bullying and victim-blaming are being used to curtail the pursuit of truth. We need to continue pushing for better statute of limitations laws. We need to recognize when institutions bear responsibility for protecting perpetrators rather than seeking justice. We need to continue educating young people about consent, bodily autonomy, and boundaries. We need to empower people to speak up when they witness sexual violence in the workplace and beyond.
And most of all, we need to be steadfast in our vision for a future without sexual violence. We need to learn how to love one another so fiercely that we are unwilling to accept behavior that violates human dignity.
Since 1973, The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) has been a compassionate advocate for survivors of sexual violence. As we honor the organization’s 50th year, we acknowledge the reality that our mission is far from complete. Yet we are more committed than ever to ending sexual violence through healing and social change.
There is no statute of limitations on BARCC’s services. Those who feel challenging emotions due to this case and need support can call BARCC’s 24-7 hotline at 800-841-8371 or chat live.
