Rockland County, NY – Local advocacy organizations are raising their voices in response to recent actions by members of Congress and local government officials, calling attention to the damaging effects of harmful rhetoric and political discourse.
The Center for Safety & Change, a non-profit dedicated to serving women and others impacted by gender-based violence, and the Rockland County Pride Center, which works to protect and support the LGBTQ+ community, both issued a joint statement denouncing recent comments made by Congressman Mike Lawler. The comments, which they said mocked and vilified a private citizen for expressing political dissent, have raised concerns about the growing use of demeaning language in public discourse.
“Using a public platform to mock, vilify, and irresponsibly label someone as mentally ill simply for expressing dissent is not just inappropriate, it is dangerous,” said representatives from both organizations. “This behavior is precisely the type of harm our organizations aim to confront.”
Both groups are committed to protecting and defending the rights of historically targeted communities, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who are often marginalized. Their statement emphasized the need for solidarity in the face of public degradation, fear, and shame, calling out the tactics used to silence voices that challenge the status quo.
The statement highlighted that these tactics—such as labeling someone as “unstable” or “crazy”—are not new. Historically, such language has been weaponized to discredit and control women and marginalized groups, especially when they speak out with clarity or anger. “These terms are not neutral insults; they are tools designed to invalidate and undermine voices of dissent,” the statement said.
The organizations stressed that the issue goes beyond politics, noting that public figures, especially elected officials, have a responsibility to uphold higher standards of respect, integrity, and dignity. “When elected officials resort to using harmful language, they are reinforcing systems that have long worked to silence women and marginalized groups,” the statement continued.
The groups called for an immediate retraction of harmful statements made by those in positions of power, urging them to stop targeting private citizens and instead conduct themselves with the integrity and responsibility that their roles demand. They emphasized the importance of protecting dissent, community safety, and upholding democratic values.
Lastly, the organizations reached out to those who may feel silenced or afraid to speak out. “We see you,” the statement concluded. “Your voice matters. Your fear is justified. And your refusal to stay quiet is not a flaw. It is strength.”
For those in need of support, the Center for Safety & Change offers resources for victims and survivors, including a 24-hour hotline at (845) 634-3344, a text line at (845) 286-4997, and a web chat at centerforsafetyandchange.org.