Sexual Assault Survivors to Rally in Support of Kavanaugh Accusers

Both survivors and their advocates will gather at Dilworth Park at 1 p.m. to “call for accountability for sexual predators in positions of power.”


brett kavanaugh metoo sexual assault survivors

U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by two women. | (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Sexual assault survivors and supporters plan to march in Center City on Monday in support of Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Rameriz, two women who have accused U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault and misconduct.

The event is part of a national walkout to support survivors of sexual violence, organized by #MeToo founder and former Philly activist Tarana Burke. Demonstration in cities across the country will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday.

Here in Philly, survivors and supporters will gather at Dilworth Park, near City Hall. Speakers include Nina Ahmad, former president of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Organization for Women; activists Gwen Snyder and Blessing Osazuwa; Emily Woods; and City Council candidate Tonya Bah.

“Survivors and allies will call for accountability for sexual predators in positions of power, at a national level and here in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania,” a memo for the event reads.

According to a Facebook page for the event, roughly 60 people said they plan to attend the rally at Dilworth Park, while about 200 said they are interested. Snyder, an organizer, said she expects anywhere between 40 and 200 people to show up.

Snyder said the Philly event, as well as Burke’s call for a national walkout, will address Kavanaugh’s nomination and convey “solidarity with Blasey Ford.” Attendees will also discuss “what accountability means nationally, locally,” Snyder said.

Kavanaugh has denied the allegation from Blasey Ford, who said he and a friend groped her and tried to remove her clothes during a high school party when they were teenagers. He has also denied Rameriz’s allegation that he exposed himself to her when they were in college.

Blasey Ford is expected to testify about her allegation in an open hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.