Judge Goodman’s victim-blaming mentality raises questions about her tenure | Opinion

As a loved one and friend of several victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and date rape, I commend my friend Killian Timoney for filing the impeachment petition against Fayette Circuit Judge Julie Goodman and appreciate Rep. Jason Nemes, Chair of House Impeachment Committee, and House members voted 73-14 to send the case to the State Senate.

In my opinion, Judge Goodman deserved impeachment based on the following case alone. In August of 2023, Jack Steele Watson was initially charged with first-degree rape. According to the complaint, Watson and the victim were University of Kentucky students at the time of the incident. The victim reported that they returned to her dorm after a night of drinking when she verbally stated she “did not wish to engage in sexual intercourse,” according to a criminal complaint filed in the case. She reported that Watson told her “no means yes to me” and raped her.

Based on Watson’s statement, I think she wasn’t his first victim, and due to the slap on the wrist via the Alford plea, she likely won’t be his last. I believe he should still be in jail for another three years and required to register as a sex offender.

Judge Goodman said,“ I’m sorry both of you were so young, so immature,” Goodman said at the hearing. “As always, there’s alcohol or drugs involved, in this case it was alcohol on both sides, which obviously puts everyone’s judgment at risk, and that with the age creates unfortunately horrific situations. But this court would hope that for neither of you, that you in any way let this label you.”

Judge Goodman blamed the VICTIM — a mindset that is very troubling and in my view disqualifying for office. Her incredibly, bad judgment led to a horrendous judicial decision and endangered the public. What hope would the next victim of sexual assault have in finding justice in Goodman’s courtroom?

I commend the victim for coming forward and pressing charges. Sadly the statistics are that one in four women will be victims, only one in three will report the crimes, and even worse, less than 10% of the cases lead to a conviction.

We need to do more to raise awareness of sexual violence, support victims, increase the number of sexual assault nurse examiners, more resources for law enforcement, and continue to seek justice and accountability.

If you or someone you know if a victim of sexual violence, there are resources available including National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, GreenHouse17 at (800) 544-2022, Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center at (800) 656-4673, Lexington Police Department at (859) 258-3600, Fayette County Sheriff at (859) 252-1771.

David Harris lives in Lexington and his email address is kydave82@gmail.com.