Last year I watched on national television a tape of then presidential candidate Donald Trump bragging and giggling to his pal TV host Billy Bush that because of his wealth and celebrity status he was free to do anything he wanted to a woman. He could kiss her, touch her and grab her genitals. I was stunned. A memory I had buried deep within me more than 50 years ago confronted me. I was assaulted by an older, professional, respected man in the community when I was 22 years old. I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t tell my husband, my mom, my sisters or my friends. The terrible feelings of panic, fear, powerlessness, humiliation, sadness and shame surfaced immediately when I saw this tape. Do I have proof this happened? No I do not.

Last week I saw President Donald Trump supporting and endorsing Roy Moore of Alabama for the United States Senate. Roy Moore has been accused of molesting very young teenage girls when he was more than 30 years old and working in the Alabama District Attorney’s Office. Several brave women who were victimized by him so many years ago have stepped forward to testify that he is unfit and lacks the character and judgement to serve in the U.S. Senate.

It takes courage and bravery to come out publically and say “this happened to me.” Finally the assaulted and abused have found their voice, and they are being listened to. The new message is: Acts of sexual violence, assault and intimidation will no longer be tolerated. Your actions will be publicly reported, and you will suffer the consequences. Women, men and children will no longer fear reporting you because you have power, position and status.

Our children and grandchildren should be able to pursue their hopes and dreams without the fear of some predator lurking around ready to take advantage of them.

— Anna Martinsen