Believe the Women!
Image from UN Women
Fifty-two years ago I sat in a basement of the home of a female friend in Huntington, NY on Long Island. I sat next to a phone, which I desperately hoped would not ring!
It was a totally grassroots rape crisis helpline established by the Huntington Chapter of the National Organization for Women (N.O.W.), of which I was an active member.
The helpline was one of the chapter’s ministries.
And rape scared the hell out of me back then—because it was a time when women were not believed.
Rape still scares the hell out of me today—because it is still a time when women are not believed.
But believed about what?
“If a person were in an auto accident and called a friend to ask for help, the natural initial response would probably be: ‘Are you okay?’
If a woman were raped and she were to call a friend for help, the most likely response could be: ‘We need to go to the police!’”
—quote from Jess Michaels, 1991 Epstein survivor
And how might the police be likely to respond? Not likely with: Are you hurt? More likely with: What were you wearing? Why were you out at that time of night?
The basic implication being:
for the victim: We don’t believe you. What did you do to provoke—or stop—the attack? This is all your fault!
for the attacker: How can we protect this perpetrator?
It is “the hurt” part that is overlooked, though! A woman is injured in a rape attack. She is injured physically with possible tearing of skin, possibly choking or beating. She is significantly injured psychologically, potentially for decades — possibly for her lifetime.
The following YouTube interview by Katie Couric with Jess Michaels, a 1991 Epstein survivor, came up spontaneously on my Iphone. The interview was held on Tuesday July 29, 2025.
I like Katie Couric, so I opened it.
And I was riveted.
Katie opens with these words: “In 1991, Jess Michaels was a 22-year old dancer living in New York when she was raped by Jeffrey Epstein….”
And then she says: “Jess is here to tell her story.”
Given the timeliness of the interview, we felt it important to take a pause on our series’ topics—and face this issue head-on!
This interview is a must-see—especially for Jess’ breathtaking clarity.
Katie Couric (l.) interviews Jess Michaels (r.). July 29, 2025
Please take the time to click it—Click on the title!
Watch: "Epstein Survivor Jess Michaels Is Not Afraid to Say His Name" on YouTube
Or paste this URL into a browser: https://youtu.be/uQQmtwB9dDssi=8Bs1I7hxQ05efy70
Jess Michaels has been including 1991 Epstein Survivor in her social media bios.
A media commentator criticized her, saying she should be embarrassed for doing so; that some things should be kept quiet.
Here are some of the listener comments to the Katie Couric/Jess Michaels interview:
“No, What’s embarrassing is a perpetrator getting away with harming generations of young girls. While authorities did nothing to stop it.”
”Still doing nothing to the perps!!! SHAMEFUL!!!”
That member of the media who criticized her bio is the one who should feel shame and be embarrassed.
”The victim shaming is unconscionable. This woman is brave, especially in this landscpe.”
”She shouldn't be embarrassed. She should be proud for having the guts to speak out.”
”Not just doing nothing to stop it, but taking part in it.”
”Those same authorities shaming the victims!!!”
”DITTO!!! FOR DECADES”
BELIEVE THE WOMEN!
HEAR—AND REALLY LISTEN—TO THE WOMEN!
C:WED Wish List:
BELIEVE THE WOMEN!
Believe Jess’ explanation of the statement above.
She says in the interview: Believe that women have pain. We’ve been harmed. Believe that an injury has occurred. Believe that this is a tragedy.
BELIEVE WOMEN’S PAIN OVER MEN’S COMFORT!
Jess, after 30 years of suffering in silence, is now an advocate and has been speaking out to help others. She is the founder of 3joannes, which is launching the social safety app called #WithYouToo.
Or copy and paste into a browser this url:
https://withyoutoo.3joannes.com/
Jess says 3joannes is not only for victims; it is for everyone who has a child.
I would add: also for everyone who has a friend, a relative, or a neighbor.
