Kshama Sawant on Mayor Murray’s allegations: ‘Vital to not remain silent’ on sexual abuse
Apr 12, 2017, 8:50 AM | Updated: 9:06 am
Seattle Councilmember Kshama Sawant. (AP)
(AP)
Bruce Harrell announced Monday that he and his colleagues on the Seattle City Council would not be commenting on the rape allegations leveled against Mayor Ed Murray. But councilmember Kshama Sawant refused to remain silent on the issue of sexual abuse.
RELATED: Plaintiff could request Seattle Mayor Ed Murray undergo another exam
Murray has been accused of raping a minor in the 1980s but said he will not step down and he will continue his mayoral campaign. The mayor’s lawyer announced Tuesday that a doctor’s physical examination debunks the claims filed against Murray.
Here is Sawant’s full statement, via King 5.
Since Thursday, our city has been shaken by the allegations of sexual abuse brought forward against Mayor Murray.
“While I cannot speak to the veracity of the claims, allegations of rape and abuse should always be taken seriously and investigated with care and diligence. I also believe it is vital to not remain silent on a matter such as this.
“Our society, plagued by inequality and enormous imbalances of both power and wealth, is a painful place for sexual violence survivors.
“I believe such serious charges must not be tried in a court of public opinion, which is so often cruel to survivors, and can be unjust for everyone involved. We have heard in recent days how survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence are reliving their own experiences of summoning the courage to come forward only to have their characters attacked. For many survivors, healing from the psychological violence of sexual abuse is a difficult, and sometimes lifelong process.
“Regardless of the outcome of this specific case, we need a real discussion about rape, molestation, sexual assault, sexual harassment and domestic violence in our society, and in that discussion the voices of survivors must be centered. Programs to provide support and counseling for survivors of abuse must be fully funded, paid for by taxing the rich, and widely available. I stand at the ready to work with advocates, survivors, and the community.
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