Moving from a climate of Misogyny to
Women’s Empowerment:
Throughout history,in many cultures including ours, women have been objectified, harassed, and exploited for sexual gain and power.
In recent weeks and months, we have been witnessing increasing numbers of women who have been harassed and sexually abused by men in positions of power holding them accountable for their actions. Our justice system, and society as a whole are finally supporting women speaking up for themselves and holding men who are sexual predators responsible for their behavior.
Why is this all happening now?
Women are coming together and saying "no more" when it comes to being belittled, objectified, harassed and exploited sexually. Why are all they coming forward now?
On April 27, 2018, 60 sexual abuse victims of longtime 'TV dad', Bill Cosby, celebrated a huge landmark victory when a jury found him guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand at his home in a Philadelphia suburb in 2004. She was just one of many who stood up against him during the first trial. He was tried again a second time and this time they won - the case was strengthened because five other women with similar accounts to Constand testifed. Upon hearing the verdict after the 2'nd trial, accuser Lili Bernard told NBC: “My faith in humanity is restored,” adding "the verdict is also a victory for all sexual assault survivors. It’s a victory for Womanhood.” 60 women have accused Bill Cosby of committing sexual assaults spanning decades.
"...the fact that he has been convicted...that's definitely an important moment in history." CNN's Aaron Cooper.
There is a new law, titled SB 813, passed in September, 2016 in California that
eliminates the statute of limitations for rape and sexual assault
. The fact that the justice system is now holding men who have committed crimes against women accountable is a huge victory.
A number of Cosby’s accusers testified before the California Legislature to support the bill, dubbed the
Justice for Victims Act
, before it made its way to Governor Brown’s desk.
Before, the statute of limitations for felony sex crimes in California was typically 10 years. Attorney Gloria Allred, who represented the accusers of Bill Cosby and met with key Brown advisors on the bill, hailed the governor’s decision to sign the bill into law. “The passage of this new law means that the courthouse doors will no longer be slammed shut in the face of rape victims,” Allred said. “It puts sexual predators on notice that the passage of time may no longer protect them from serious criminal consequences for their acts of sexual violence.”
On Friday May 27th, disgraced, renowned Hollywood producer and film mogul Harvey Weinstein, accused of numerous incidents of sexual assault and misconduct over many years turned himself in to authorities to face charges of sexual abuse and harassment from over 30 women and was arrested. As Ashley Judd penned in a powerful op-ed for
Time
about what his arrest means for the future of the #MeToo movement:
"
And in this moment, in this era, that a powerful man who thrived and flourished in a culture of impunity was arrested and charged is resoundingly significant. It is a watershed event, an irreversible pivot away from tacit and explicit license to exploit to a ground of firmer boundaries and clarity about intolerable behavior no longer being tolerated
.”
Ashley Judd
Why is this so important?
These victories are a significant justice for all women and for anyone who has been a victim of harassment or sexual assault/abuse; however, there are countless others around the world who may not have the pedestal celebrity crimes give. There are many without a voice or the ability to speak up; and many haven’t felt safe and secure enough to do so - until now. The #MeToo movement is changing that.
Women are coming forward and sharing their experiences, embracing each other in camaraderie, and acknowledging eachothers experiences. Speaking about their experiences of abuse (and other topics) not only helps women who have been victimized, it also encourages those who may not have had the courage to publicly speak before now, gain the courage to do so.
Togetherness and a sense of unity creates a stronger force and with that, comes change.
As with all healing, support and acknowledgement of one's personal experience are the first steps toward mitigating symptoms of sexual assault and harassment. As women continue to own their voice and speak up and support eachother, they become stronger, individually and collectively. And as the men in their lives become more aware of how their words and actions impact the women in their lives, and women in general, they start to listen and become more supportive.
This shift in consciousness and behavior will have a large ripple effect on the rest of the world. Not only will this shift change the way sex crimes and injustices are perceived and dealt with, it will increase equality and respect between men and women, resulting in healthier relationships and a healthier society.
