How you can support the #BelieveSurvivors walkout in solidarity with Christine Blasey Ford

Time’s Up will lead a national walkout on Monday, September 23 in support of Christine Blasey Ford and to protest Brett Kavanaugh.

In what has already been a week of triggering headlines for sexual assault survivors, Donald Trump sparked outrage on Friday with — what else — a tweet.

In this particular tweet, Trump called out Christine Blasey Ford, saying she should have reported her assault sooner if it was “as bad as she says.”

Ford alleges that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when she was 17, and the two were at a high school party. Details of the assault were first shared via an anonymous letter with Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). Ford then publicly told her story in a Washington Post article. Kavanaugh has denied these allegations. Since Ford has come forward publicly, she’s been scrutinized, threatened, harassed, and her credibility over the assault questioned.

Trump’s tweet spurred a flurry of responses with the hashtag #WhyIDidntReport, with sexual assault survivors publicly sharing their personal, and painful, reasons as to why they did not report their attacks. On Monday, anti-harassment organization Times’ Up will continue the charge with a nationwide walkout.

The walkout begins at 1 p.m. ET

The #BelieveSurvivors walkout will begin Monday, September 24, at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) and ends 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT). If you’re in Washington, D.C. you can join dozens of organizations who will meet in the Senate Hall atrium at 12:30 p.m. From there, the walkout participants will walk to the Supreme Court building for a National speakout.

Remember to wear black to show your support

Along with walking out, participants should wear black as a sign of solidarity. Suggestions could be a black blazer or blouse, black tie, or even a black pin or piece of jewelry if you work in uniform.

What if I cannot walkout during that time?

If you’re unable to participate in the walkout, you can still be involved by posting to social media to show support and/or wear black. Be sure to use the hashtag #BelieveSurvivors.

Multiple organizations are involved

Planned Parenthood, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Center for Transgender Equality‏, NARAL and 19 other organizations (as of this post) will participate in the walkout.

Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, is on board for the event as are many politicians, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Celebrities including Brie Larson, Chelsea Handler, Samantha Bee, Alyssa Milano and more have also shown their support by sharing information about the walkout.

We hope this walkout furthers the support sexual assault survivors deserve, as well as helps others who may doubt Ford understand that unreported sexual assault happen all too often (RAINN reports about 2 out of 3).

We have to support victims who come forward with their truth. This walkout and the #BelieveSurvivors hashtag are one way how.

If you or someone you know is or has been the victim of sexual assault, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.