The #Metoo Movement Empowers Women To Speak Up, But Not To The Right People
There is a difference between speaking up and speaking out.
I believe in justice. I believe that those who commit crimes should pay for them. I also believe a person is innocent until proven guilty. I speak from experience because I myself have been a victim of domestic violence and sexual assault. You can read about it here.
The #Metoo movement has seen many women come forward and name their accusers. They have spoken out about the sexual assault they have been subject to. The problem is they may be doing it too late. Each state has different laws and statutes of limitations. There is also a mandatory time that it must be reported within. There are some states that require sufficient evidence. He said/She said, is not sufficient. The list of the state statutes are represented here.
The #Metoo movement has done some great things and has gotten the topic out in the open. What it does not do is help victims as they move forward. Posting #Metoo on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram is not going to bring about justice. Spreading the name of the abuser around these same social media sights does not get justice.
The sooner you notify authorities, the sooner they can run DNA tests and confirm the identity of the alleged attacker. This is good evidence. If it is he said/she said, this is bad evidence. You will have to testify in court unless the alleged attacker pleads out. In a jury trial, the alleged attacker may go free.
If you are told to have sex or face consequences, i.e., loss of job, leave. There is not enough money in the world that can replace the precious gift you hold.
The social media outcry has crucified people before they have a fair trial. It is reminiscent of the Salem witch trials. As a mother, I worry for my children. I have to tell my son not to touch, hug, or kiss a woman until they are married. At the same time, I am told I should tell my daughter she is free to express herself however she wants.
We haven't fixed the double standard, we have merely turned it around. It's time to stop the double standard once and for all. If a woman is free to express herself, then so is a guy. If a man can be thrown to the wolves for being inappropriate, then so can a woman. If a woman can be a victim, then so can a man.
We are playing a game with peoples lives. Social media is not the right place to report sexual assault. Anonymous letters are not the right way to report sexual assault. The right place to report sexual assault is to your local police department. The right way to report is in person. The right time is now.
The #Metoo movement has its place, but it is not helping victims. It is creating more of a victim mentality. Let's start with fixing the issue, let's start helping the victims. Support the victims of sexual assault by helping them report it. #Metoo only gets us an outcry, it doesn't get us justice.
