Top US justice department official says she is domestic abuse survivor

Kristen Clarke also tells CNN she was once arrested for expunged offense, sparking calls from rightwingers for her resignation

A top US justice department official revealed Wednesday that she is a survivor of domestic abuse and was once arrested for an expunged offense, which has sparked calls for her resignation among rightwing politicians and commentators.

Kristen Clarke, who leads the justice department's civil rights division, told CNN in a statement that she had been subjected to years-long abuse and domestic violence at the hands of my ex-husband" nearly 20 years ago.