One of the ways women who speak up about sexual assaults are discredited is the criticism that they are coming forth years after the fact. Why didn’t the 14 year-old complain about Roy Moore at the time she was sexually assaulted? Why wait four decades?
Think about that. Would she have been believed? Look at the women who spoke up about Trump’s behavior. They are still being smeared and vilified.
In addition to the negative consequences, women may not even recognize the actions for what they were. Self-blame comes into play. The perpetrator will say “I was just kidding” or simply deny that it happened.
We also had in the past a cultural predisposition to blame the woman.. Readers who are older might consider the Clarence Thomas hearings. l remember buttons that said “I believe her.” Unfortunately, the Senators on the Committee believed him. I have a feeling that those Senators who still alive may have reconsidered their support of Thomas.
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