The National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (NTF) applauds the actions of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for calling out disrespectful and unprofessional behavior by Representative Ted Yoho, that was laced with misogyny and disgraced the dignity of our national governing body. We know that this kind of behavior perpetuates silence, isolation and erasure. Representative Yoho’ comments were an attempt to dehumanize the Congresswoman. It was also an attempt to make this type of verbal abuse spewed against women, and in particular against women of color, more palatable. We commend Representative Ocasio-Cortez and her willingness to speak up and call out this type of abuse and her consistent effort to stop this kind of abusive behavior from happening to others.
Representative Ocasio-Cortez criticized the follow-up statement subsequently offered by Representative. Yoho for his refusal to take full responsibility, in particular citing how his statement had used "women, wives, and daughters as shields and excuses for poor behavior." There is no excuse for disrespectful behavior.
The NTF, which was formally established in 2010, is a coalition of national and local organizations collaborating to promote public policy that addresses the needs of all survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. We stand with and for survivors who have had to overcome disrespectful behavior as well. We seek to ensure that survivors have the resources they need to heal and to support advocates and community members in working to change social norms that allow such abuse to continue.