The hashtag #WhyWomenDontReport sheds light on the reasons many women hesitate to come forward after experiencing sexual assault. The recent discourse surrounding public figures, particularly Donald Trump, highlights some troubling truths about society’s response to these allegations.
For many women, disbelief is a major barrier. Victims often feel the weight of proving their experiences, which can feel insurmountable. The normalization of dismissing their trauma as “no big deal” further complicates their decision to report. The ongoing discussions about Trump’s behavior illustrate these issues vividly.
This situation transcends politics and party lines; it’s about the dehumanization of women who bravely share their stories. This week, two women, moved by Trump’s dismissive comments following the release of a troubling tape, decided to speak out. They shared their experiences with the New York Times, one alleging that Trump forced himself on her, while the other described an inappropriate encounter during a flight. Unfortunately, their claims have faced attempts to be discredited by Trump and his supporters.
In response, journalist Sarah Rivers utilized Twitter to ask her followers why they chose not to report their assaults, sparking an outpouring of personal narratives under the hashtag #WhyWomenDontReport. The stories shared were poignant and echoed a common experience—many women, including myself, have faced harassment or assault without reporting it. Having worked as a bartender for nearly two decades, I have my own stories of harassment and two instances of sexual assault that were never reported. Why? It’s hard to articulate, but fear and a desire to downplay the trauma played a role.
Women navigate life feeling like they wear invisible scars, which can be hard to express. The feeling of being unsafe is compounded when surrounded by those who trivialize harassment and assault. We’ve seen public figures bully and intimidate powerful women like Jenna Collins, a senator who has faced her fair share of scrutiny. If she isn’t immune, how can any of us expect to be?
If you or someone you know needs support, resources like RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center are available.
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In summary, the reluctance of women to report sexual assault is rooted in societal disbelief, fear of scrutiny, and a culture that often downplays their experiences.