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From Betrayal to Reform: Ending Impunity for Sexual Violence on Capitol Hill

January 24, 2025

SVPA

For Immediate Release – January 24, 2025

When elected officials abuse their power, they don’t just harm individuals—they erode the very fabric of trust in our government. Recent reports on Representative Matt Gaetz and Justice Brett Kavanaugh expose this betrayal in stark detail, revealing how unchecked power enables sexual violence to persist at the highest levels of government. These cases aren’t just scandals; they’re a call to action. They demand that we confront the systemic failures silencing survivors and allowing abusers to thrive.

This issue goes beyond individual bad “apples” – after all, “a bad apple spoils the bunch.” It reflects institutional betrayal; when systems designed to serve the public prioritize self-preservation over justice, accountability, and safety. Institutions betray the public when they use their power to shield perpetrators and silence survivors. 

Institutional Betrayal and the Culture of Impunity

The reports on Gaetz and Kavanaugh expose how power imbalances enable abuse. Gaetz’s behavior, including allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use, was not only unethical but illegal. Yet he remained in a position of power for years, continuing to perpetrate these offenses. Similarly, the Kavanaugh report reveals that the Trump White House tightly controlled the FBI’s supplemental background investigation into sexual assault allegations, ensuring a narrow scope that excluded crucial witnesses and evidence. Of the 4,500 tips submitted via a tip line, none were investigated.

As Trump takes office again, he’s brought a gaggle of people accused of sexual violence into positions of power as cabinet members and advisors. Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary, was accused of sexual assault and harassment. In an email, his own mother said, “You are an abuser of women – that is the ugly truth.” Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for education secretary, is named in an ongoing lawsuit for failing to address child sexual abuse. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.,Trump’s pick for health and human services, was accused of sexually assaulting the family’s babysitter. Elon Musk, Trump’s close advisor, has been accused of workplace sexual harassment in an ongoing lawsuit by eight former employees.  Vivek Ramaswamy, another Trump advisor, allegedly retaliated against an employee for reporting sexual harassment. Trump himself has many allegations of sexual violence.

The lack of accountability for powerful figures perpetuates a system where survivors are ignored, and perpetrators thrive. People who have perpetrated sexual violence cannot be trusted to enact laws or policies that prevent it. 

Toward Reform: Building Ethical and Accountable Leadership

To rebuild trust and prevent future sexual violence, we must reimagine our government with accountability and justice at its core. Here are actionable steps to move towards this future:

1. Mandatory Ethics Training

Public officials should undergo regular training on consent, sexual violence prevention, power dynamics, and abuses thereof. This would encourage elected officials to have a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions and set clear expectations for ethical behavior.

2. Stronger Protections for Survivors

Anonymous reporting systems and robust whistleblower protections must be implemented to ensure survivors feel safe coming forward. Investigations should prioritize survivor-centered approaches, minimizing retraumatization.

3. Transparency Through Published Investigations

Reports like those on Matt Gaetz and Brett Kavanaugh are vital tools for accountability. Their publication allows the public to understand how systemic failures occur and who is responsible. While the release of the Gaetz report was contentious, it ultimately upheld the public’s right to know. Government bodies must commit to authentically conducting and publicly releasing comprehensive reports of misconduct investigations to ensure transparency and deter future abuses.

4. Independent Oversight Mechanisms

The Gaetz and Kavanaugh cases underscore the need for independent bodies to handle allegations of misconduct, particularly sexual violence, against public officials. Allowing those in power to police themselves is ineffective and results in institutional betrayal.

5. Zero-Tolerance Policies

Ethical violations, particularly those involving sexual violence, should result in immediate consequences, regardless of the perpetrator’s position. Justice cannot be contingent on the perpetrator’s status or connections.

6. Cultural Change Through Leadership

Public officials must model ethical behavior, demonstrating a commitment to integrity, accountability, and institutional courage. This cultural shift requires leaders to prioritize the public good over personal or political gain and to prioritize what is right and just over what will protect their institution’s image.

    Rebuilding Trust Through Justice

    The stakes could not be higher. Every failure to hold leaders accountable undermines democracy and perpetuates cycles of harm. 

    It’s time to demand more from our institutions. Accountability is not optional; it is the foundation of public trust. We must call on policymakers, advocacy groups, and citizens to push for reforms that dismantle the systemic barriers shielding perpetrators and enabling institutional betrayal. Preventing sexual violence starts with preventing perpetrators from remaining in power. In our government, that starts with institutional courage.

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