Tulsa Agency Joins National Walkout In Support Of Ford, Ramirez

A Tulsa nonprofit agency that provides services to victims of domestic and sexual violence will join a national walkout in support of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford at noon Monday in front of the Tulsa County Courthouse. Ford is the woman who has alleged sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) employees will also walk out at their offices in north Tulsa and downtown Sapulpa.

"Coming forward as a survivor is a very difficult and brave decision,” said DVIS CEO Tracey Lyall. 

"It is imperative that we begin by believing survivors, rather than victim blaming or discounting their experiences. Only then, will we begin to build trust and create lasting change that could lead to stopping the cycle of violence in our country."

Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her 36 years ago, is expected to testify Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. A second woman, Deborah Ramirez, came forward to say Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party when they were both students at Yale in the 1980s, CBS News reports.

"Many times, survivors choose not to tell someone at the time that the assault occurs and will often talk about it many years later, and really, it's important to believe people who are sharing traumatic experiences such as this," Lyall said.

9/24/2018 Related Story: Second Woman Accuses Brett Kavanaugh Of Sexual Misconduct

Kavanaugh has vehemently denied both women's allegations. On Sunday, through an official White House statement, Kavanaugh categorically denied the latest alleged incident ever took place, calling it a "smear."

"I look forward to testifying on Thursday about the truth, and defending my good name — and the reputation for character and integrity I have spent a lifetime building — against these last-minute allegations," Kavanaugh said Sunday. 

President Donald Trump is also standing behind Kavanaugh.

Supporters were asked to wear black and walk out of their homes, offices or classrooms at 12 p.m. CT and post a photo to social media with the hashtag #BelieveSurvivors.