How should we treat domestic violence allegations? That's the question WUSA9's Debra Alfarone asked Lynn Strange. She's a domestic violence survivor and advocate in Prince George's County. She knows firsthand it's tough for someone to come forward.
Debra: "In your estimation, if someone comes forward with an allegation...?"
Lynn: "It is true. It is very true. From my experience not only as a survivor and an overcomer but also working in the field over 20 years. If someone is going to be bold enough to report it, it happened."
Debra: "The President tweeted 'People's lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation. Some are true and some are false. Some are old and some are new. There is no recovery for someone falsely accused - life and career are gone. Is there no such thing any longer as Due Process?' What does the President's stance do to victims who are dealing with it right now?"
Lynn: "First, I would say it's horrifying to hear the President say such - such minimization to the victimization that these women, as well as men, have encountered. But to sit here, and analyze it as if it's not significant and important dehumanizes the very feeling of a woman or anyone who's encountered such horrific abuse. There are those out there right now who could have that understanding from the President and say 'I'm not going to say anything at all.' To me, it propels the silence versus the eradication against domestic violence."
If you or someone you know is in a relationship where there is some type of abuse, the number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233
