In October 2017, a series of sexual harassment allegations were made against American film producer, Harvey Weinstein. It started something called The Weinstein Effect. Many women came forward with sexual harassment allegations against Weinstein. Shortly after, stories of hundreds of sexual assault and rape allegations were made against other men in Hollywood.

It began on October 5th, with actresses Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd coming forward with sexual assault allegations. Saying Weinstein had forced them to massage him, watch him naked, and he asked them for sexual favors and in exchange, he would advance them in their careers. Weinstein commented saying he “has caused a lot of pain.” But, he disputes the allegations made against him.

Following this, many actors, producers, and men in the media were accused of sexual assault or rape. It created a domino effect; the veil of silence was lifted. The stigma of fear placed on the women who have been intimidated in the workplace or pressured to stay silent because of these men’s power in society lifted.

This isn’t new. Sexual harassment and rape have been an issue in Hollywood for decades. These men of Hollywood have a status of power and intimidation over women, but that’s not how it should be. Why is it okay for these men to get away with it just because of who they are? The nature of Hollywood can make it very hard for victims to break the silence about sexual harassment in and outside the workplace.

Women are pressured to be silent by the men themselves and even other agents and producers. It’s just not that big of a deal or it’s just a part of the job. No, it is absolutely not. A workplace should be an area of comfort. It shouldn’t be a place where your mental, physical, and spiritual well being are manipulated or preyed upon.

I applaud these women and men who are coming forward, not just for their bravery, but because it is the right thing to do. People of all generations should know that it is NEVER okay for someone else of any age, gender, or ranking to manipulate or pressure you into sex, unwelcome touching, or “favors”. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend, family member, boss, coworker, or even the president of the United States. No one has the right to do that without your consent.

For an unknown reason, consent is confusing. Saying yes is consent. It’s not, “well she/he didn’t say no”, or “she/he seemed to be feeling it.” Only a firm "yes" is consent.

Obviously, there are two sides to every story. No one knows what happened except those two people. But, it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. It doesn’t mean there weren’t mixed signals or discomfort. Nonetheless, sexual assault and rape are very serious. They are not something to be joked about. They are uncomfortable conversations, but it happens far too often to be avoided.

The process shouldn’t be silenced in order to protect the man. If they are disgusting and sick enough to touch or engage in sexual activity with a man or a woman without consent, they clearly have the problem. As a society, we need to remove the negative stigma around sexual assault and rape victims. Yes, it is disturbing and heartbreaking. Victims need absolute support. They shouldn’t be shunned or made into a joke. Sexual assault and rape are life-changing experiences.

At a Hollywood event in October, Reese Witherspoon opened up and said “For the young women sitting in this room, life is going to be different for you because we have you, we have your back. And that makes me feel better because, gosh, it’s about time.