Dear neighbors, In the last few days, if you live in Assembly District 5, you may have received mailers that claim I am sympathetic to rapists. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Several years ago, one of my family members was the victim of a forceable rape. I will never forget because I was one of the first people to respond when she called for help. I saw firsthand the pain, suffering, and blood caused by this deplorable crime.
I do not know how the incumbent's supporters found out about this atrocity in my family's life. I do not know how anyone could be so malicious as to target the pain we had to endure. I do not know why any legislator would stand idle while their party exploits rape victims and sends mailers that make them relive the pain.
I Promise To Be Part Of The Solution.
What I do know is that we need tougher sentences that are not contingent on ‘substantial bodily harm’ to the victims. Only the harshest possible sentences against rape and sexual assault are just. I feel this way because regardless of bodily harm, the victims of this crime are forced to serve a life sentence of fear and pain. We also need to consider DNA testing, improving services for victims, campus safety at colleges (and high schools), and ensure no sexual predators go missing as they do now.
In Nevada, the National Violence Prevention Center estimated that almost 20 percent of women in the state have been forcibly raped. This is much higher than the national average of 13.4 percent. To give you an idea of how painful rape can be, researchers said interviewees who had been raped were still sufficiently damaged by the attack and in need of mental health support after answering researchers’ questions.
It pains me to think that anyone would approve false mailers that would force women to relive their experiences all over again. I know that when my family received one, my wife nearly broke down in tears. I am grateful that the family member who suffered will never have to see them. In fact, I hope no one will again. I could not even bring myself to share the unsympathetic images and words they used.
What You Can Do To Seek Help If You Are Assaulted.
I would like to take a moment to urge all Nevadans to support their local rape crisis centers and other nonprofit organizations in Nevada. The two I am most familiar with include the Rape Crisis Center of Southern Nevada (south) and the Nevada Coalition Against Sexual Violence (north). However, even more importantly, if you know someone who has been raped (or if you have been the victim of rape), please tell them to immediately go to the hospital and/or call the authorities. There is also a national sexual assault hotline (1-800-656-HOPE).
All too often, victims of this crime wash away evidence, unknowingly enabling these criminals to go free. Nationally, only 6 percent of rapists ever go to jail. To become even more educated about the victims of rape, please visit the RAINN network. Once you do, you will begin to understand just how insensitive my opposition has been.
If you have questions about the issues I care about or have other issues that you would like me to address, do not hesitate to call me direct at 702.427.7807. We have a growing group of dedicated people helping out. I would be honored if you did too.
If you cannot help at this time, I understand. But please continue to support me by telling your friends and neighbors that my opponent's supporters need to look the word "empathy" up in the dictionary. We need to put people before politics.
Respectfully,
Tim Williams
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