Survivors of sexual assault and advocates gathered in Times Square on Monday to mark two years since a Cornell University student, identified as Jane Doe, says she was raped by seven fraternity brothers.
The victim service organization Safe Horizon also released a public service announcement in support of Jane Doe, who has faced backlash, including threats and doxxing attempts, since filing her lawsuit against the university.
The PSA, “Trauma Takes Time,” features survivors of sexual assault, child abuse and intimate partner violence. Organizers said it is meant to address why some survivors wait years before coming forward.
“It doesn’t matter if it happened two days ago, two years ago or 20 years ago. There is no expiration date on speaking up or seeking support,” Liz Roberts, CEO of Safe Horizon, said.
Survivors at the rally say delayed disclosure is common and that people should not be discredited because they did not immediately report abuse.
According to statistics, more than 70% of victims wait at least five years before sharing what happened to them, and an estimated 20% to 33% of victims never disclose abuse during their lifetimes.
Bridie Farrell, director of victim rights, advocacy and legislation at Weitz & Luxenberg, says she waited 16 years before speaking publicly about being sexually abused.
“When I was 15, I was an Olympic speed skater with an Olympic dream when a 33-year-old teammate sexually abused me,” Farrell said. “I did not speak up for 16 years.”
The Times Square event also came days after prosecutors said two men are facing charges for allegedly supplying fentanyl to two female students at the Fashion Institute of Technology in March. Prosecutors allege one of the men raped one of the students, who eventually died.
FIT told students it has strengthened safety protocols, security and training following what happened in March.
State Attorney General Letitia James is investigating the allegations at Cornell.