We have a societal tendency to give people in power undue benefit of the doubt at the expense of justice when faced with allegations of systemic abuse. Additionally, it is common that the pure chance of a victim's birth – their gender, race or economic conditions – will give enough cause to discredit their lived experience.
From sexual abuse (the Catholic Church; Hollywood; U.S. Gymnastics; Missoula, Mont.) to police brutality (throughout history and nationwide), the consequences have been deep and lasting. When the arc of the universe bends toward justice, the perspective of an independent agency has been necessary to right the consistent imbalance in power, privilege and protection.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/2017/12/28/give-citizens-voice-against-injustice-letters-editor-dec-28/977188001/
http://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/2017/12/28/give-citizens-voice-against-injustice-letters-editor-dec-28/977188001/
