PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Karen Klines, Survivor of Sexual Abuse while Incarcerated
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167 sec
Karen Klines, a survivor of sexual abuse while incarcerated, provided powerful testimony about her experiences and the lack of accountability for abusers in the prison system. She emphasized the ongoing trauma and the need for justice for all survivors.
- Highlighted the prevalence of sexual abuse in prisons, stating her story is one of hundreds or thousands
- Described being punished and removed from general population when she spoke up about the abuse
- Called for accountability and equal application of the law to those who commit abuse in prisons
Karen Klines
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Grammarizing members of the city council.
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My name is Karen Clines.
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Before I start, I would like to say, The level of pain doesn't leave in the morning.
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Okay?
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So I wrote this, I stand before you today as a survivor of sexual abuse while incarcerated.
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My story is not unique.
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It is 1 of 100, if not thousands of women who have survived similar fact.
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I have come forward with my truth seeking justice and accountability.
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Yet despite our courage, and the overwhelming evidence the abuses remain unpunished.
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Why is it that those who have committed such horrific crimes against us I'm not held accountable.
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Why are they not subject to the same legal consequences as anyone else who have committed a crime?
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We are not asking for special treatment.
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We are asking for justice.
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We are asking for the same rights and protection that every citizen is entitled to.
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My voice has not been silent.
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When I spoke up, I was punished and removed from general population.
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The mental trauma from the abuse and the subject punishment has been devastating.
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I have flashbacks and feelings of unsafety, unsecure at times.
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I don't know who to trust, doctors, psychiatrists, police, or therapists.
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It is time for the system to listen, to act and to hold these abuses accountable.
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All of the survivors deserve justice.
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We deserve to see those who wronged us face the consequences of their action.
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We deserve to feel safe and to know that our suffering has not been in vain, and I wanna thank you for being here today, and I thank you for allowing me the opportunity for my voice to be heard without punishment.
