Call (202) 225-2015 to help end impunity for rape, and in this case, child-gang rape

“This is the letter Amanda posted on her FB….  The instructions for the phone call are at the bottom:” 

Dear All (especially my Ohio family)

I will be meeting with Congressman Stivers (8th District, i.e. Hocking County, OH) next Wednesday, face to face, in his DC office. As many of you know I re-opened my rape case from 2001 and have been pursuing it vigorously, both to be granted a trial to at the least have the rapists answer the accusation in a court of law and to hold the local law enforcement accountable for their negligence and mishandling of my case (and who knows how many others) in 2001 and this go around. I am optimistic. Not because I think I’ll get a trial…and not because I think the local law enforcement will be held accountable (as I have been told and it seems to be true that Sheriff’s have “immunity” from being held accountable for not doing their job). I am optimistic because after an email I received from both the Sheriff’s department, and the Attorney General’s office, and a phone call with the the Prosecuting Attorney’s office and a Columbus Dispatch reporter (see, we’ve been covering grounds :p)…I now understand the problem more clearly and deeply than I did before, which means I have a shot of actually influencing some change. 

Hence, my meeting with Congressman Stivers. I plan to work to get meetings with them all (congressmen). I will start with Stivers. I will ask for his attention on my case, on the local law enforcement in Hocking County…and more broadly, to work with me to understand where the failings are with how rape cases are being handled (despite progress) and to commit to making changes, legislative when relevant, so that we are taking violence against women seriously both in spirit AND ACTION. I will be delivering a message loud and clear to our representatives that we want their support to end violence against women and if they choose to refrain…well, then in that case, their silence will be the final bullet in the head of women who experience sexual violence and have little to no recourse in our justice system. I know it’s hard to see from the outside…but what’s going on here isn’t good…it isn’t good at all. 

We have to start holding accountable the elected officials that work for us, like our local sheriff’s. We have to start telling our congressmen what matters to us… at home, every day, not just overseas and in the economy. I’m asking you- and will be soon begging- to put in a call to Stiver’s DC office and just tell him you want his attention on the Stevenson case…tell him that you want him to start with that and to, going forward, focus on the issue of sexual violence and violence against women and cleaning up local law enforcement’s act. 

It’s easy to get through- because, sadly, hardly any one ever calls. An assistant will answer the phone and tell him/her you’d like to speak with congressman Stivers- when they ask about what- say “A rape case that happened in his district”- if he’s available, you WILL get to speak with him. If not- they will take a message and they will listen closely, so take the time to tell them that it matters to you.

Here is the number. Phone: (202) 225-2015 If you call, leave a comment on here so I know and can thank you profusely…please re-share this message…love you all!

Ps. You can tweet him at @RepSteveStivers also- BUT, don’t do this at the exclusion of calling- it means more to call  ♥