Brett Kavanaugh hearing: GoFundMe campaign for Christine Blasey Ford skyrockets on day of testimony

'We need to protect the voices of brave people who speak out - especially when they are part of our community,' says campaign

A GoFundMe campaign created for Dr Christine Blasey Ford has rapidly picked up support on the day of her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee about her allegations of sexual assault against Brett Kavanaugh.

A campaign created on 18, September with a goal to raise $150,000 (£115,000) has since markedly exceeded its goal. At one point on Thursday, the trending campaign reached $375,000 (£280,000) – with donations speedily pouring in throughout the day.

Neighbours and colleagues of Dr Blasey Ford sponsored the campaign with the mission to assist the California professor and her family since her identify became known. The funds raised will cover expenses, including security and travel costs.

During the testimony, prosecutor Rachel Mitchell questioned Dr Blasey Ford about the polygraph test she took in August in connection to her allegations against Mr Kavanaugh. The examination’s result revealed that Dr Blasey Ford’s answers were “not indicative of deception”.

When Ms Mitchell asked Dr Blasey Ford whether she paid for the polygraph, her attorneys confirmed that they did – “as is routine” they added. The California professor also acknowledged that several GoFundMe pages had been created to support her.

“I'm aware that there's been several GoFundMe sites that I haven't had a chance to figure out how to manage those because I've never had one...” she said.

Dr Blasey Ford has received death threats – among a wave of vile public attacks for not coming forward earlier – and has been forced to relocate out of her home since her allegations came to light.

Mr Kavanaugh, who has also been accused of sexual misconduct by two other women, has denied all of the allegations against him.

“Not only has the right wing smear machine started, but she is receiving serious threats against her and has had to engage a security force to protect her family,” a post on the GoFundMe campaign page read in part. “This is all really expensive and she needs our help. We need to protect the voices of brave people who speak out - especially when they are part of our community.”

Another GoFundMe page that has gained in popularity was created for Dr Blasey Ford by a professor of law at Georgetown University, according to the campaign’s post. That campaign, which has since closed, set a goal to raise $175,000 (£130,000) and exceeded it by raising nearly $210,000 (£160,000).