Ford says she decided to come forward with her story to provide facts about Kavanaugh

Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school, on Thursday said she opened up about the incident to provide the facts about how US President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee's actions damaged her life and it is up to the Senate to decide whether he deserves the post or not.

Ford on Thursday testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that Kavanaugh's attack on her had left her "afraid and ashamed".

Kavanaugh has denied allegations by Ford, along with those of a number of other women. He is also due to testify before the committee.

The nine-member Supreme Court plays a vital role in US political life, as it has the final say on US law. President Trump has called the hearing an "important day in the history of our country".

The 51-year-old professor Ford spoke for the first time publicly after she made the allegation.

Ford detailed her allegation against Kavanuagh which was first made public less than two weeks ago in an interview with The Washington Post.

Her voice often cracked as she described both the incident, and how she dealt with its aftermath.

In her prepared testimony, Ford said: "I am here today not because I want to be. I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school."
Ford said she remembers the "uproarious laughter" between Brett Kavanaugh and his friend Mark, who were "having fun at my expense."
Asked how she is sure it was Kavanaugh who assaulted her, Ford said: "The same way that I'm sure that I'm talking to you right now."
When asked if there is any chance she has mistakenly identified Kavanaugh, Ford said "absolutely not."