The Jane Doe in the Cornell seven case is getting threats | Arwa Mahdawi

The woman known as Jane Doe, who is a survivor of a gang rape at Cornell University, is facing threats after coming forward with her story. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, revealed that she has been receiving threats from individuals who have discovered her identity, causing her significant fear for her safety. This situation has been reminiscent of past cases where women accused of rape have faced intense scrutiny and harassment, such as Christine Blasey Ford accusing Brett Kavanaugh and E Jean Carroll accusing Donald Trump.

Both women experienced severe consequences, including having to flee their homes and having their lives upturned. Giuffra likened the current situation to a phenomenon where people question why women speak up about their experiences, suggesting they "should have known better" and implying they were "asking for it." This discriminatory attitude is evident in the comments made by right-wing commentator Megyn Kelly, who attacked Jane Doe's appearance and questioned the validity of her testimony.

Furthermore, journalist Caitlin Flanagan also contributed to the harmful narrative by questioning what attracts women to such parties and suggesting they are "looking for a man." The underlying message is clear: women who speak up about sexual assault are being ridiculed and blamed for their own victimization. Giuffra emphasized that being raped is not a "mistake" and a woman should be able to attend a party, consume alcohol, and walk home at night without being at risk of sexual assault.

The ongoing cycle of victim-blaming and harassment highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift towards supporting survivors and recognizing sexual assault as a serious crime without any room for justification.