Two Things occurred in 2017 - My Accident & the #MeToo Movement
Currently, I’m working with a 13-year-old who was raped a year ago & is currently involved in a trial. Thinking about this, I wondered what effect the #MeToo Movement had. See the link below for an article published by the NY Times in 2017 and updated in 2018. It listed 201 men who had been charged, their occupations, the # of accusers & the outcome. See below
TV Producers/Actors 64
Government /Politicians 52
CEOs/Business Owners 32
Editors/Publishing 27
Coaches/Professors 17
Sports Related 6
Ministers 2
Attorneys 1
Disclaimer: There was some overlapping in jobs & multiple titles. Someone else might list these differently, but the total would be the same.
Highlights from the article:
· Total accusers 920
· Three females were charged. One actress & two politicians
· Very few have taken responsibility or offered apologies
· Men placed on temporary or indefinite leave are not included in this list
· Almost half of the positions held by these men were replaced by women
· Studies show women leaders create a healthier work environment
Legislative changes attributed to the #MeToo Movement:
In 2018, Congress passed the #Congressional Accountability Act
CA, NJ, NY, Oregon & VA banned the use of #nondisclosure agreements to cover up sexual harassment
Federal. #Speak Out Act was passed in December 2022. Nondisclosure & no disparagement agreements are now unenforceable
#Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports sex harassment claims have increased by 13.6% since 2017
In General:
· There is heightened public awareness & sensitivity to sexual harassment
· Women feel less alone & are more likely to think about making a report
· Americans, especially women, are rethinking their views on power
The World Health Organization states that #1/3 of women worldwide experience sexual abuse or harassment.
In the USA:
· Sexual assaults are the most prevalent crime but the most underreported
· It's estimated that less than 20% are reported
· Only 5% of reports have been proven false
· 82% of juvenile sexual assaults are on females
· 90% of adult rapes are on females
· Adolescents, ages 14-17, are most likely to be sexually victimized. 1 in 6
Conclusion:
Overall, I feel there are some positive outcomes from the #MeToo Movement. Personally, I was happy there were only two ministers on the NY Times list. Interestingly, there was only one attorney. But the problem of sexual harassment & abuse is far from being solved. There’s more work to be done. Please continue speaking out against this injustice. Awareness is the first step to solving a problem.
Do you know anyone who has experienced sexual abuse?
Have you been a victim?
What would you do if you or someone you loved were raped?
