We’ve seen more people come forward in relation to sexual assault in the past few months than past years combined. This is a huge thing. Yet, we still see people who say “why did they wait so long?”, “I don’t believe them” and the one that seems most trivial in my eyes is “why now?”
I know some people have asked “why now” in the most innocent way, but it is anything but innocent. I think one point that is being missed when people come forward is that women and men finally feel comfortable and safe enough to share these experiences.
From a woman’s perspective, I think in years past if a woman had reported sexual misconduct at her place of work, she wouldn’t have gotten the response that is deserved when anyone brings up the topic. I believe that men very often would have gotten a slap on the wrist and a “don’t do it again”, and the conversation would have been over. Or she would have been blown off and called a liar. The topic of a man coming forward and saying he was sexually assaulted in the work place would be completely unheard of years ago, because it would have undermined the fact that they’re supposed to be “tough, masculine and assertive”. Now, we’re seeing that brushing it off and or keeping quiet isn’t cutting it anymore. We are finally seeing justice in the form of firings and investigations. I know we have further to go in this fight before we can say everything is fair, but I think this is a step in the right direction.
While I know there are still many who will never experience justice because they can’t share their story or other reasoning’s, but I hope they never have to feel questioned in this world by people who should believe the victim before the perpetrator. And for those who have experienced any type of sexual assault and do come forward, there are more people who stand behind you and believe you than who question you. I’m proud to live in a time where we no longer settle but fight for justice.