Sexual assault survivors’ stories may shift over time — but that doesn’t mean they’re lying

By: Michele Patterson Ford

Outlets: Kansas Reflector

Published: October 10, 2026

Words: 1,058

Last Updated: 1 week ago

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If a person’s story changes in the weeks following an alleged sexual assault, are they not telling the truth?

It’s a criticism I’ve seen on social media and heard in the public conversation surrounding the lawsuit filed in September 2026 by a plaintiff known as Jane Doe, a former student at Cornell University, accusing seven male students of rape.

Initially, Doe discussed events with a friend but reportedly didn’t identify them as assault. …

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