I was raped at roughly the same age that Dr. Christine Blasey Ford describes being assaulted by Brett Kavanaugh. Of course, I have no way to know if Kavanaugh did any of the things of which he is accused. But I went through a traumatizing trial and my rapist went free because of poor evidence collection. At least there was a police investigation.

The Republican leadership of the Judiciary Committee wants Blasey Ford to testify without even the benefit of what I had — detectives and prosecutors on my side.

It is clear to me that a women should not be forced to confront a public figure being considered for an important job before an investigation was completed. Who wants to get into “he-said/she-said” testimony during a hearing? Perhaps detectives would find Ford’s attacker admitted the assault to friends. Perhaps, under penalty of perjury, a witness backs her version of events. Perhaps other victims are identified. Her testimony should be used to back up quality detective work, not as a quick pit stop on the way to a rushed confirmation.

Having a possibly traumatized accuser try to make her case, unaided, against one of the most sophisticated and experienced political operatives alive today is not likely to get to the truth and may also be cruel.

A police investigation is essential and Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski should commit to voting “no” unless there is an investigation. It is the least they can do to support survivors of violence.

Roxann White, Lewiston