A state Senator from the Richmond area is responding to critics who say a comment she recently made online is hurtful to rape victims.
In a response video posted on Facebook, Republican State Senator Amanda Chase says she was a victim herself, and that she has compassion for rape victims. And, she adds, women should protect themselves.
“I think it’s naive to believe that there is no evil in the world. We must always constantly be vigilant, alert and prepared,” Chase says. “And so therefore I encourage women to exercise their second amendment right.”
Chase posted the video after a comment she made earlier on her Facebook page prompted backlash. She had written that it was people who are “naive and unprepared” that end up being raped.
Chase represents parts of the Richmond suburbs. She’s up for election this November. Her Democratic opponent, Amanda Pohl, first brought attention to the comment in a press release.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
