When Women Testify to Assault

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/28/opinion/letters/trump-e-jean-carroll-sexual-assault.html

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To the Editor:

Re “Is Trump a Rapist?” (column, nytimes.com, June 26):

Regarding E. Jean Carroll’s allegation of sexual assault against Donald Trump, Charles M. Blow writes: “Carroll’s allegation fits the behaviors that have been established or alleged. America owes it to itself to deeply ponder it, and possibly hear sworn testimony about whether it’s true.”

I cannot imagine why Ms. Carroll, or any of the many women who have accused Mr. Trump of sexual assault, would want to testify against him before Congress. We have all seen what happens to the women who do so.

What woman would wish to subject herself to the public humiliation inflicted on Anita Hill, Clarence Thomas’s accuser, and Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Judge Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault?

Dr. Blasey’s hearing in particular was a referendum on whether things had changed for women in this sphere, and the answer was clear: Nothing has changed.

Karin Kramer BaldwinPetaluma, Calif.