Recently, filmmaker Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual misconduct by numerous high profile celebrities. The towering list of stars, including Cara Delevingne, Ashley Judd, and Rose McGowan, have all come forward accusing Weinstein of unwanted sexual advances, sexual harassment, and even rape. Weinstein has maintained his innocence against his harshest claims, however, he has fled the country in hopes of getting treatment for his "sex addiction."

The story of Harvey Weinstein's sexual misconduct is all too common in Hollywood and the theatrical world. While rising to fame many stars claim they were sexually abused in order to book roles or events. One of the most famous actresses in the world, Marilyn Monroe, was open about her sexual abuse as a child and subsequent abuse as she climbed the social ladder. However, Marilyn's outcries were met with fierce ridicule as some believe sexual abuse is needed to become more famous.

Sexual abuse is not limited to female stars. In the light of the Weinstein case, actor Terry Crews shed light into numerous instances of sexual assault he encountered by high level Hollywood executives. He publicly denounced Weinstein's actions and sided with the women who waited to come forward because he too, understood why many do not tell someone about their abuse. In a series of tweets, Crews said that he didn't want to fight back because he knew the media would negatively spin off the events to make Crews in the wrong.

The practice of sexual abuse doesn't only happen in Hollywood. Every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. Many of the victims do not come forward due to fear of retaliation. We live in a society where rape culture is ever present and many rapists are not convicted for their crimes.

We need to change how we view rape in our society. From a sociological standpoint, we tend to blame the victim for the crimes that happened to them. "What were you wearing?" "How much did you have to drink?" "You should be flattered that _____ is into you." That dangerous rhetoric needs to change and the best way to do so is through politics.

This November, vote for representatives and council members who believe in stricter crimes for sexual assault, harassment, and rape. Stand against those who believe "locker room talk" is okay, and stand with the millions of victims of sexual violence around the world.