Christine Blasey Smith, who has publicly accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault during their high school years, has voiced profound concerns regarding his potential confirmation to the Supreme Court. Following the allegations, Smith relocated 3,000 miles from the Maryland area where the incident occurred. Recently, she has contemplated moving even further. In an interview with The Washington Observer, her spouse, Mark, discussed the emotional turmoil Smith has faced, the significant upheaval in their lives, and the long-lasting impact of her trauma since she came forward with her claims.
The Allegations
Last week, a letter from Smith to Senator Laura Fields was made public, detailing her account of the alleged assault. In the letter, Smith described an incident where Kavanaugh allegedly forced her into a bedroom during a party, locked the door, increased the music volume, and attempted to undress her while covering her mouth to silence her screams for help. Kavanaugh has categorically denied these allegations.
Emotional Impact
This distressing event, which Smith has kept private for over three decades, has resurfaced with renewed intensity. Mark recounted that Smith’s anxiety about Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination intensified after the election of Donald Trump, although she felt a brief moment of relief when Neil M. Gorsuch was nominated instead. However, when Justice Anthony M. Kennedy announced his retirement, Smith expressed her despair, saying, “I can’t handle this. If he becomes the nominee, I’m moving abroad. I cannot stay in this country if he is on the Supreme Court.”
Backlash and Family Stress
Following her public disclosure of the allegations, Smith has faced severe backlash, including disbelief and victim-blaming. Notably, the President of the United States dismissed her claims on social media, suggesting that her failure to report the incident at the time undermined her credibility. He stated, “I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr. Smith was as severe as she claims, charges would have been filed immediately by her or her loving parents.”
The Smith family has been subjected to considerable stress, including death threats and hacking incidents. They temporarily relocated to a hotel while their children stayed with friends. Mark attempted to explain the situation to their children by saying, “Mommy had a story about a Supreme Court nominee that is now in the news, and we can’t stay in our home anymore.”
Testifying Before the Senate Judiciary Committee
As Smith deliberates whether to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, she grapples with the emotional weight of discussing such a painful experience. In her letter to Senator Fields, she expressed the difficulty of confronting issues of sexual assault but felt a civic duty to speak out.
Judicial Integrity
Despite some individuals downplaying the seriousness of Kavanaugh’s alleged actions by attributing them to typical adolescent behavior, Mark emphasized the importance of integrity in judicial appointments. “Judges should serve as moral arbiters. If they lack a personal moral compass, that presents a significant issue. Supreme Court nominees ought to be held to elevated standards,” he remarked.
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Conclusion
In summary, Christine Blasey Smith’s allegations against Brett Kavanaugh have not only caused personal upheaval but have also sparked broader discussions about the standards expected of Supreme Court nominees. The emotional toll on her and her family is profound, highlighting the ongoing impact of trauma in the face of public scrutiny.