emily/19, nyc

i’ve seen a lot of bashing on both sides and while i think this has been said a million times over- the person who needs support right now regardless of the allegations “legitimacy” is amber. but honestly... i have to ask- what is the right was to respond to allegations like this. is there a way to automatically believe the abuser while then developing follow questions as they insert more details that you appear to contradicti? is there ever a way to ask someone about their experiences without impeding upon their privacy? i think the answer is verbal neutrality and non preformative empathy. face it- sometimes we cant help what our inital emotional response is to disheartening news, but what we can control is how receptive we are to the story of the victim and truly taking the time to reserve criticism, process what they’re saying. there lies the difference between taking a step back to listen versus assuming silence as an act of solidarity with the cause instead of the presumed victim. be empathetic because you care about how others feel and only jump to the defense of said perpetrator under the direct presentation of counter evidence.