"Shame Must Change Sides"

AP

When men who are accused and/or found liable for sexual assault or violence against women are in positions of power in our country, their behavior is, at best, overlooked and, at worst, emulated. In the now famous words of Gisele Pelicot, the shame of sexual assault must change sides.

This month, we will, together as a nation, witness the transition of power of our executive branch to President-Elect Donald Trump, who was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in a civil case. Should we be surprised? This is the same man who boasted on camera about groping women without consent.

A metaphor does not exist to encompass the rage and fear I felt on election night. The stark reality of, yet again, being disappointed by our society for electing this person was harrowing. "Not again," I repeated to myself for two days straight.

The relationship between political figures and sexual violence is complex, as these individuals often wield significant power that can silence or intimidate victims. Our president-elect is far from alone in these matters.

Closer to home, the case of Erie County Executive Brenton Davis and his accusations of abuse have stirred distrust and tension within local government. While allegations of intimidation and threats were made, the legal system ultimately ruled in his favor, signaling a continued failure to protect victims when the accused holds power. Such cases reveal the culture of impunity that often surrounds individuals in political positions, and they emphasize the need for systemic reforms that ensure accountability, regardless of a person's political status or influence.

The brave woman who came forward in the Davis case asserted that she didn't seek assistance from the police or medical professionals because she was afraid. I know the feeling all too well. On the night of Dec. 23, 2010, I was raped in Millcreek Township by an acquaintance while home on winter break from college. Genuinely fearing for my life, I kicked and pushed my way away from him and ran to my car. In the shock of the frigid air, I quickly asked myself if going to the police station was worth it.

I knew the statistics — instead, I drove home and numbed the pain for a decade.

The numbers that flashed through my mind remain staggering to this day, and they spotlight the need for continued cultural and legislative reforms. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, and every 9 minutes, the victim is a child. These crimes are often committed by a familiar face, with more than 80 percent being someone the victim knows. According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission in a 2021 report, 94 percent of sexual abuse offenders are men. Disturbingly, only about 2.5 percent of sexual assault perpetrators face prison time — highlighting a significant gap in justice. These figures underscore not just the frequency of sexual violence but also the deeply embedded societal and institutional barriers to holding perpetrators accountable.

Moreover, the emotional toll on survivors of sexual violence is severe. RAINN reports that approximately 94 percent of women who survive rape experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms immediately after the assault. The pervasive nature of sexual violence is evident in these numbers, and it speaks to the critical need for comprehensive support systems for victims, as well as stronger societal and legal mechanisms to address this violence at every level.

The growing awareness of the systemic nature of sexual violence, particularly when committed by individuals in power, stresses the complexities of justice, accountability, and healing. It has been quite a dichotomy the past two months as a survivor to both reckon with the election as well as follow the public trial of Gisèle Pelicot in France.

Pelicot's trial in which her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot and his 49 co-defendants were convicted of sexually assaulting her over a span of nearly 10 years, stands as a pivotal moment in this fight against sexual violence. Pelicot's brave decision to bring her abusers to court was not only a personal victory but also a call for societal reckoning. By publicly sharing the horrific details of her abuse and the manipulation that allowed it to continue, Pelicot ensured that her story was not just a private tragedy but a public indictment of a culture that often turns a blind eye to sexual violence, especially when committed by men in positions of power. Her words, "I wanted all of society to be a witness," encapsulated a desire for systemic change — a push for greater accountability and awareness of sexual violence as a deeply rooted issue that must be confronted at all levels.

Pelicot's abusers were not just her vvintimate partners but also figures who wielded power over her, demonstrating how sexual violence is often perpetuated by those in positions of authority. As prominent figures, these abusers' actions speak to the broader problem of sexual violence within institutions of power — a problem that continues to affect numerous spheres, from local governments to the highest offices of the land.

Justice for survivors is crucial for emotional healing and for restoring trust in legal and political systems. In a broader societal context, holding offenders accountable creates a deterrent effect, potentially preventing future violence and encouraging others to report incidents of abuse. Accountability fosters a cultural shift that rejects the normalization of sexual violence, contributing to safer communities and stronger social norms around consent and respect.

During my time on Erie City Council in 2023, I served as Public Safety Liaison, having the duty of working closely with the Erie Police Department. At the end-of-year crime statistic review and public release, all types of crime were down except one.

It was rape and sexual assault.

More investments can be quickly deployed locally to flip the script, like public policies to reduce sexual violence that focus on prevention, support for victims, and accountability for offenders. Effective programs include comprehensive sex education that emphasizes consent, improved reporting systems for victims, stronger laws with clear penalties for sexual offenses, and funding for victim support services such as those provided at our Crime Victim Center.

On the national stage, the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) could further strengthen legal protections for women, ensuring that sexual violence is addressed through a framework of equality under the law. President Biden could leave a profoundly positive legacy by taking swift action to address this heinous societal norm.

The cultural shift from silence to action holds promise for change, as it empowers survivors, demands accountability, and shifts the shame back on the shameful. Through public trials, stronger legal frameworks, and community support, society can begin to dismantle the structures that enable sexual violence, ensuring that perpetrators in all spheres of life, including politics, are brought to justice.

Susannah Faulkner can be reached at susannah.faulkner@gmail.com.

A counselor from the Crime Victim Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 814-455-9414. If you are out of the calling area, you can reach someone toll free at 800-352-7273.

Learn more at cvcerie.org.