To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.

×
Dozens Arrested as Survivors Flood Capitol Hill to Share Trauma of Sexual Assault, Demand Senate Reject Kavanaugh

Hundreds of protesters gathered at Senate offices on Monday to demand that lawmakers oppose U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Two women have accused him of sexual assault. (Photo: Brooke Saias/Women's March/Twitter)

Dozens Arrested as Survivors Flood Capitol Hill to Share Trauma of Sexual Assault, Demand Senate Reject Kavanaugh

"The stories we're hearing from survivors are chilling. They're all too devastating and all too common. They're why we're here today."

News

Ahead of a 1pm national walkout on Monday to support Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez--who have accused U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault--and demand that lawmakers oppose him, hundreds of critics flooded Capitol Hill to target specific senators such as Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), whose responses to the women's claims have outraged advocates for survivors of sexual violence.

Dozens of demonstrators were arrested Monday morning outside Collins' office in Washington, D.C.

Those who weren't arrested then moved to the office of Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.). Survivors who participated in the Capitol Hill protests shared their stories.

"The stories we're hearing from survivors are chilling. They're all too devastating and all too common," Women's March tweeted. "They're why we're here today. They're why we'll be back Thursday."

From Flake's office, they moved to the office of Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.). His staff, according to Women's March, refused to come out to meet with the hundreds of demonstrators, so some participants began making their way into the office.

Other protests planned for lawmakers' offices throughout the country on Monday include actions at Collins' Portland office; Flake's Tucson office; the Des Moines office of Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); the Austin and Dallas offices of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas); the Denver office of Sen. Cory Gardner; and the Reno office of Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.).

Additional actions are planned for Thursday, when Ford is set to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Women's March is tracking the scheduled events with an interactive map.

Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential


Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support.

Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights.

Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive.

Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most.

Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community.

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
ben sassebrett kavanaughchristine blasey fordpeople powersexual assaultsusan collinsultravioletus senateus supreme courtwomen

Ahead of a 1pm national walkout on Monday to support Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez--who have accused U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault--and demand that lawmakers oppose him, hundreds of critics flooded Capitol Hill to target specific senators such as Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), whose responses to the women's claims have outraged advocates for survivors of sexual violence.

Dozens of demonstrators were arrested Monday morning outside Collins' office in Washington, D.C.

Those who weren't arrested then moved to the office of Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.). Survivors who participated in the Capitol Hill protests shared their stories.

"The stories we're hearing from survivors are chilling. They're all too devastating and all too common," Women's March tweeted. "They're why we're here today. They're why we'll be back Thursday."

From Flake's office, they moved to the office of Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.). His staff, according to Women's March, refused to come out to meet with the hundreds of demonstrators, so some participants began making their way into the office.

Other protests planned for lawmakers' offices throughout the country on Monday include actions at Collins' Portland office; Flake's Tucson office; the Des Moines office of Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); the Austin and Dallas offices of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas); the Denver office of Sen. Cory Gardner; and the Reno office of Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.).

Additional actions are planned for Thursday, when Ford is set to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Women's March is tracking the scheduled events with an interactive map.

Ahead of a 1pm national walkout on Monday to support Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez--who have accused U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault--and demand that lawmakers oppose him, hundreds of critics flooded Capitol Hill to target specific senators such as Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), whose responses to the women's claims have outraged advocates for survivors of sexual violence.

Dozens of demonstrators were arrested Monday morning outside Collins' office in Washington, D.C.

Those who weren't arrested then moved to the office of Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.). Survivors who participated in the Capitol Hill protests shared their stories.

"The stories we're hearing from survivors are chilling. They're all too devastating and all too common," Women's March tweeted. "They're why we're here today. They're why we'll be back Thursday."

From Flake's office, they moved to the office of Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.). His staff, according to Women's March, refused to come out to meet with the hundreds of demonstrators, so some participants began making their way into the office.

Other protests planned for lawmakers' offices throughout the country on Monday include actions at Collins' Portland office; Flake's Tucson office; the Des Moines office of Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); the Austin and Dallas offices of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas); the Denver office of Sen. Cory Gardner; and the Reno office of Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.).

Additional actions are planned for Thursday, when Ford is set to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Women's March is tracking the scheduled events with an interactive map.

ben sassebrett kavanaughchristine blasey fordpeople powersexual assaultsusan collinsultravioletus senateus supreme courtwomen
Join the Conversation