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National Sexual Assault Hotline spikes 147% during Kavanaugh hearing

Posted at 11:16 PM, Sep 27, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-28 10:17:22-04

After Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony on Thursday, the National Sexual Assault Hotline reported a 147 percent increase in its normal call volume. That's a trend that we have seen since the #MeToo movement.

Advocates say more sexual assault victims have been inspired to come forward.

Daniele Dreitzer is the Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Center.

"We've seen our counseling numbers go up, we've seen our support group numbers really expand," she said.

In the first half of the year, the center saw a 24% increase in the number of calls to its hotline.

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That being said, Dreitzer does have concerns about the recent fallout surrounding the Kavanaugh allegations.

"When we see somebody in a situation like this coming forward many years later and you do see that backlash... that has a very chilling effect," she said.

Still, advocates are hopeful more victims will continue to come forward.

On Thursday, Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

"I am here today not because I want to be.  I am terrified.  I believe it is my civic duty," she said.

Both raised their right hand and swore to tell the truth. They presented two different accounts of the events more than thirty years ago. 

"I've never sexually assaulted anyone, not in high school, not in college, not ever," said Kavanaugh.

Republicans will be pushing ahead with a committee vote Friday. They'll decide whether to recommend Kavanaugh's confirmation to the full Senate.