Rep. Debbie Dingell Reveals Her Own Sexual Abuse History in Emotional CNN Segment on Joni Ernst

Republican Iowa Senator Joni Ernst‘s revelation of being raped in college has stirred up a wave of emotion among her peers, both in Congress and in the media.

CNN’s Kate Bolduan expressed visible sadness after Democratic Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell revealed she, too, had a history of being physically and sexually abused when she was younger. Dingell said Ernst’s story made her “want to cry” because it felt personal.

“I’ve had different incidences, sexual harassment, and the kinds of things she talked about, that happened to her when she was younger, I have to this day never talked about the incidences or who they were, and I know my life would be forever changed if I told the whole story,” said Dingell, as Bolduan began tearing up.

Dingell said many people don’t understand how a young woman’s life could be affected by sharing past abuse experiences, and why many would prefer to keep that information private.

“People tried to blackmail me when they found some records 20 years ago when people didn’t understand, I had never really intended to talk about it the first time it did, and to be honest with you, there are days I can’t,” she said, adding her sister had tried to get her to talk about it publicly, for the sake of potential future victims. “People will want me to talk about it, but I can’t.”

Dingell vowed to be an ally to Ernst and other sexual and domestic abuse survivors like her.

“You do survive, you can go one, it doesn’t define you, but it never stops hurting,” said Dingell, as Bolduan choked up, trying to gather herself from crying more.

Bolduan thanked the Congresswoman for sharing her story, adding, “It breaks my heart.”