About GCOST

GCOST recognizes that justice is part of the healing and restoration journey. There are several obstacles victims of sexual terrorism face when seeking justice. Many victims of sexual terrorism do not have access to law enforcement and the judicial process; therefore, many victims never receive justice through criminal courts. On the civil side, there are several obstacles victims face when seeking civil action against perpetrators. The primary challenge is being able to afford and retain an attorney. This issue is well known in funding circles, so funders have begun to turn their attention to helping victims seek justice through civil courts. Our challenge as a society is demanding courts hold sexual predators accountable and to stop allowing wealthy criminals to "buy" their way out of trouble.

When I became a victim of image-based sexual violence, I never would have imagined the challenges and barriers that I would face trying to navigate and fight against a system that dismisses, minimizes, and blames women for being victims of sexual violence. Ironically, I received the biggest push back from law enforcement. I witnessed first hand how the system protects sexual predators and wealthy criminals to evade accountability. This complicity threatens national security and erodes the fabric of democracy. Even more, nearly every woman’s organization I contacted were so far behind in training and information that they could only assist me with the most basic resources, like housing and food. How do you fight back against criminals or a criminal organization with these odds? Since most victims of sexual violence do not have the resources to mount a legal battle, perpetrators are emboldened, especially those who are wealthy. However, the more pro bono legal resources victims have available to them, the more they are able to fight back and hold perpetrators accountable. Since I did not have those resources I struggled, and am still struggling, and fighting against the residual impact of sexual terrorism and targeted violence. From my experience, I would like to help close the gap for women to access the judicial process, which without an attorney can be overwhelming. Pro bono legal representation will allow victims to regain power, control, and agency over their lives; and it simultaneously holds perpetrators accountable, and it puts would be criminals on notice that civil litigation will be taken against them.

GCOST's mission is to provide legal advocacy and pro bono legal assistance to victims of sexual terrorism and targeted violence.

GCOST envisions a world where victims of sexual violence have access to a fair and equitable justice system.