Protecting the Perpetrator
As seen in the Steubenville case, people tend to blame the victim and find reasons to prove an abuser's innocence. This can also be seen in the relatively recent Larry Nassar case. Nassar was a well-liked, well-respected national team doctor for USA Gymnastics and also worked for Michigan State University who assaulted countless athletes and others over the years. Nassar was accused of sexual assault on multiple occasions, and teachers, coaches, and cops neglected the allegations because they didn't believe he was capable of these actions. One gymnast, in particular, told a coach she wanted to report the assault, and the coach told her she would ruin Dr. Nassar's reputation, have to go through questioning and face Nassar with the accusations which prevented her from pursuing any accusations.
The way that this was handled silenced lots of victims. It was normalized among gymnasts and was no longer a red flag. The "treatments" that Nassar had been doing to these girls had become so common that no one saw them as alarming. They would talk amongst themselves and have little to no suspicions about what was happening to them. This is especially important because these girls were being abused by a doctor they were told they can trust. Because of Larry Nassar's high status as national team doctor, and his extremely innocent, friendly persona, people were not quick to accuse him of any wrong-doing, and even tried covering it up.
It is thought that a handful of employees at MSU had heard of what Nassar was doing and didn't take action against him. It was also reported that John Geddert of Twisters gymnastics was informed of Nassar's 'treatments', but he protected him because he was well respected, and a close friend. All of these people silencing victims and protecting Larry Nassar were extremely harmful to the progression of the case and negatively impacted so many lives. Over 265 women were assaulted by Larry Nassar and many were silenced from as early as 1990.
This type of behavior is seen often in society and is certainly visible in the Steubenville case. Like Nassar, the football team had a positive reputation and was well-known by its community. People tend to disregard these accusations because they refuse to believe that the individuals they see so highly could be associated with such actions, let alone committing them. However, if they do believe the accusations, people will try to protect the perpetrators and prevent them from ruining their reputation, and the high status they have been seen at for so long. This not only promotes and justifies rape culture, but it also results in victim-blaming.
When victims of sexual assault see others suffering from victim-blaming, they are less likely to come forward with their stories allowing these abusers to get away with these horrible actions and continuing to contribute to the rape culture that exists in our society. As seen in the documentary, once Jane Doe had made her accusations about her assault, others began to come forward as well at the protests. When people come forward with their stories, it raises awareness about how common it is, and how, as a society, there needs to be a change.
In society, people will need to learn that sexual assault is not something that should be pushed under the rug or ignored. These abusers are criminals and should be blamed and convicted accordingly. Everyone in society needs to do their part to make this happen, and people need to stop contributing to rape culture by victim-blaming and protecting perpetrators.
Sources:
I had heard about this case and briefly watched the story unfold, but I never realized that the allegations made by the gymnasts and athletes were so serious, because what came out wasn't representative of the horrible situation. This shows how as society how we sometimes naturally protect the perpetrator because they are "too important" and that shows victims that what has happened to them is fine and that people who are considered more important in society can get away with these actions time and time again. It is horrible to find that just like the Steubenville case, the authority is again protecting the perpetrator. The perpetrator who has done it MULTIPLE times. This shows people in high positions they can get away with anything, when they really shouldn't.
ReplyDeleteI agree, people of high power believe that they can get away with certain crimes. We also saw this in the Garrett Phillips case, when John Jones wasn't blamed because he had a higher position than Nick Hillary. It is so sad when people don't believe the victims side, just because they think highly of the perpetrator. Many victims feel that they cannot speak up because of this.
Delete