SFWPC reaffirms its commitment to condemning sexual abuse, assault, harassment and predatory behavior across political lines and stature in San Francisco’s political circles.
It has been almost three years since the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee supported survivors speaking about their experience with sexual assault by individuals in elected and leadership positions in San Francisco.
In 2021, SFWPC challenged our community to respond to the stories of survivors who bravely came forward:
“Since we published our first statement, other women have come forward to our organization regarding their own experiences with Jacobo. The size and scale of harm alleged is greater than anyone knew, but Sasha’s account should have been enough to cast out an abuser. How many women+ need to be harmed or come forward before an abuser can be held accountable?”
In the three years since, SFWPC has continued to advocate for addressing the ongoing prevalence of these issues in political spaces and the need for restorative justice to address the harm caused.
While we are encouraged by the recent press coverage and public outcry in response to survivors speaking up about their abusers, we still ask the question – how many survivors need to be harmed or come forward before an abuser can be held accountable?
Abuse is pervasive when there is silence.
SFWPC is committed to continuing to shine a light on this issue within San Francisco’s political community and will continue to demand accountability and justice. We will not be silent while perpetrators continue to operate and move freely throughout political spaces. Our community deserves safe spaces and perpetrators must be held accountable.
We call on the San Francisco political community – particularly those in positions of leadership, influence, and power – to join us in our commitment. Join us as a partner to address pervasive cycles of sexual violence and abuse.
In addition to our ongoing efforts with the local Democratic party and other political leaders to establish anti-sexual violence policies, we speak to every member of our community:
We must change the culture in order to make all spaces free of sexual violence.
The responsibility is upon all of us to speak up.
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SFWPC strives to be a source of support for all women and allies in San Francisco and welcomes anyone who would like to reach out to us about any case dealing with sexual violence in the political community. You can connect with us via our social channels or by emailing us at info@sfwpc.org.
We will continue to provide additional information and resources to our community whenever it is possible. For those in San Francisco who need resources and assistance, we recommend:
https://www.sf.gov/information/san-francisco-gender-based-violence-resources
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