Whenever a famous or powerful man gets accused of sexual assault years after the assault happened, one of the first reactions that many have is along the lines of, "Why not say something sooner? Why wait this long?" Sigh. For those of us who've survived sexual assault, it seems so obvious. But since it isn't clear to others, here are just a few of the reasons why women don't report sexual assault.
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Your credibility is IMMEDIATELY questioned.
It doesn't matter if you take a long time to report or report immediatel. As soon as you admit to the sexual assault, you get called a liar. Not by all, but by enough to make you feel even worse than you already do. Is it any wonder that an "estimated 63 percent" of sexual assaults are never reported?
Shame.
So much shame.
Dismissal.
Being sexually assaulted is incredibly traumatizing and having your claims dismissed is just as traumatizing.
Harassment is considered "normal."
What woman hasn't had to deal with sexual harrassment just going about her business? In a world where harrassment is excused, it's not surprising that sexual assault is so prevalent and yet, not admitted to.
Victim-blaming.
What was she wearing? Was she drunk? Was she out alone? In other words, "What did she do to deserve it?"
Trauma isn't always out on display.
Believe it or not, even after trauma human beings can go on to smile and lead productive lives.
The perpetrator is known and trusted.
Will anyone really believe that someone who is close to you and has always been trusted could do such a thing?
Abuse of authority.
Maybe the abuser is a priest, doctor or police officer that uses their position to silence the abused.
Because "Boys will be boys."
We need to stop excusing bad behavior from males and expecting females to find ways of avoiding it.
It's too late.
When the woman is finally ready to report, the statute of limitations is up.
