Christine Blasey Ford, who accused then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, said she will donate some of the $647,610 raised on her behalf to survivors of trauma.
A group of supporters set up a GoFundMe account last month to pay for Ford’s security costs and other expenses she’s faced since coming forward in September to accuse Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in 1982.
“Because of your support, I feel hopeful that our lives will return to normal,” Ford wrote to her supporters last week on the account.
“Although coming forward was terrifying, and caused disruption to our lives, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my civic duty,” she wrote.
After speaking out, Ford faced an onslaught of death threats and harassment, she said. The threats continued after she testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee and following Kavanaugh’s confirmation.
The college professor said the donations have helped pay for her home security system, a security detail starting Sept. 19 and for housing when her family had to move because of the threats.
“The funds you have sent through GoFundMe have been a godsend,” Ford wrote. “Your donations have allowed us to take reasonable steps to protect ourselves against frightening threats, including physical protection and security for me and my family, and to enhance the security for our home.”
Ford plans on donating the rest of the cash, she said. It’s unclear how much.
“With immense gratitude, I am closing this account to further contributions,” she wrote. “All funds unused after completion of security expenditures will be donated to organizations that support trauma survivors. I am currently researching organizations where the funds can best be used.”
The fundraiser surpassed its initial goal of $150,000, with over 13,000 people chipping in.