6 / 7
6
S
he never imagined she would find herself sitting in this place. In an uncomfortable wooden
chair, she sits alone, in front of a microphone. As if the microphone doesn’t cause enough ner-
vousness, there is a lady sitting nearby, who has the sole task of writing down every word that is
spoken—the court reporter. Beside her, in a much higher seat, is a man in a black robe who has
the ultimate decision-making power and authority over what happens in this room—the Judge.
Over to the side are thirteen, maybe fourteen, strangers who are assessing and criticizing her every move-
ment, anxiously anticipating the words she will speak—the jury.
Her knees begin to shake as she looks directly in front of her and sees the handful of people who have
said that they are fighting for justice on her behalf—the prosecutors. At the table next to them are a couple
of people who are tasked with questioning and discrediting every word that comes out of her mouth—the
defense attorneys. And next to the defense attorneys, sitting at the table with them, where she cannot avoid
his eyes, his stare, or his existence, is the man who tormented her, invaded her privacy, stole her innocence,
and traumatized her life and her soul—the accused rapist. There are others in the room, all complete
strangers, but all she can focus on are the “key players.” Overwhelmed by fear and nerves, she knows that
once she opens her mouth there is no going back. Today is the day she testifies in court against her rapist.
WHEN
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
AND THE
COURTROOM
COLLIDE
Molly-Catherine K. Goodson, M.A., J.D.