“Sister Survivors–Your Voice Means Everything.”
Shari, a trailblazer for 20 years, represented victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and child sexual abuse. She pioneered landmark legal victories for victims of childhood sexual abuse and assault in California so that victims now have extended legal rights to take action against predators. Shari went on to overcome great personal and legal hurdles to change the law in California, extending the statute of limitations so that victims of childhood sexual abuse now have expanded legal rights and can use civil litigation to seek justice in California.
Recently Shari Karney consulted with the California Women’s Law Center on the “Cosby Bill” to eliminate the criminal statute of limitations for victims of rape, sexual assault and continuous child sexual abuse, to give victims the justice they so desperately seek and have too long been deprived of in California. Governor Jerry Brown signed the legislation into law (SB 813) on September 28th, 2016.
Shari is a strong supporter of the #MeToo Movement, #TimesUp Movement, #Roaras1 Movement and believes it has created a wave of awareness and brave confrontations over sexual harassment and sexual assault. Every woman’s life has been affected by sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, child sexual abuse–MeToo!
It can take years for victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, rape, and sexual violence, to feel strong enough to take action so that their perpetrators are held accountable. Legislation SB 813 gives victims a chance to have their day in court.
Shari is a survivor of sexual harassment, sexual assault, child sexual abuse. She understands what survivors are going through and is easy to talk to and trust.
Shari was one of the first lawyers (and victims) to speak out publicly about her own sexual assault on national television. In doing so, she is a model for breaking through silence, shame and self-blame. She is a lawyer who understands the complex emotional issues and struggles faced by survivors of sexual harassment, sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, rape, sexual misconduct, abuse or trauma of any kind. How to overcome, change, and heal. How to find the courage and the power to speak up and break silence. Coupled with her objective knowledge of the law, Shari’s compassion and empathy makes her an ideal spokesperson for sexual assault, harassment and abuse survivors. She can help survivors and victims of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault speak their truth while protecting survivors from the push-back, denial, victim blaming, shame, guilt, feeling responsible, self-blame that victims feel.
While dealing with the cultural response to these issues, Shari is an expert at speaking up for the truth while holding predators, perpetrators and pedophiles accountable for the abuse suffered.
Surviving trauma has a profound impact on a survivor’s life. Because of the nuances and multi-faceted recovery process for survivors at certain stages of healing, it is recommended that survivors develop a strong support system while going through any legal or breaking silence process. Shari’s goal is to minimize survivors trauma while maximize healing, recovery and justice. Legal action is just one prong on the healing journey. Her mission is to help victims take back their power and heal.