Christine Blasey Ford makes first public statement since Kavanaugh hearing: ‘We all have the power to create real change’
Dr Ford was honouring former gymnast Rachael Denhollander, who won Sports Illustrated's Inspiration of the Year Award
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Christine Blasey Ford has spoken out for the first time since testifying against Brett Kavanaugh in court in September, when she alleged that he'd sexually abused her at a party in 1982 when she was 15 and he was 17.
Dr Ford appeared in a recorded video message to present Sports Illustrated's Inspiration of the Year Award to former gymnast Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse disgraced former USA Gymnastics national team doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse.
In her introduction, Dr Ford expressed her appreciation for Denhollander's bravery for speaking openly about her experiences, and the way in which her words have inspired other survivors to do the same.
"I am honoured to speak with you from afar about a woman I admire so much. A woman who suffered abuse as a vulnerable teenage athlete found the courage to talk publicly to stop the abuse of others," Dr Ford said.
“Her courage inspired other survivors to end their silence, and we all know the result."
Dr Ford praised Denhollander for the positive impact that she's had with her actions.
“Rachael Denhollander, I am in awe of you and I will always be inspired by you," she said.
"In stepping forward, you took a huge risk and you galvanised future generations to come forward, even when the odds are seemingly stacked against them."
Dr Ford ended her message by imploring others to never underestimate themselves.
"The lasting lesson, is that we all have the power to create real change and we cannot allow ourselves to be defined by the acts of others."
Following on from Denhollander's public allegations against Nassar, more than 300 women subsequently came forward to accuse him of sexual assault.
In January 2018, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced Nassar to 175 years in jail, in addition to a 60-year sentence that he'd already received for child pornography charges.
Denhollander, who now works as a lawyer, thanked Dr Ford for her words.
"Thankful for the gracious words of Dr. Ford and what she has been willing to endure," she wrote on Twitter.
"Be willing to hear the truth and know what it looks like, even and especially in your own communities. That is when it matters the most."
On 28 September, Dr Ford testified against Kavanaugh during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
After Dr Ford's allegations against Kavanaugh were made public, a GoFundMe page was set up in order to pay for the security that Dr Ford and her family would require.
In November 2018, Dr Ford announced that any remaining money from the fundraising page would be donated to organisations that support individuals who've experienced trauma.
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