Still Blaming the Victim

No matter which political party you belong to, I think we can all agree that this election season has been like no other in recent history, plagued by an abundance of controversies, accusations, theatrics and faux pas – including some that concern women and women’s health issues.  Part of this past week’s drama involved sexual harassment in the workplace.  Following the resignation of Roger Ailes, former Fox News chief who is accused of sexually harassing many of his female employees, Donald Trump responded to a question about how he would feel if his own daughter were being harassed in this way: “I would like to think [Ivanka] would find another career or find another company if that was the case."                                                                So, just leave and find another job?  Another career?  

Trump’s son, Eric, added that as a strong woman “Ivanka wouldn't allow herself to be subjected to that.”  In other words, women are able to control being subject to sexual harassment.

                               Sexual harassment is a choice?

According to the National Women’s Law Center, one in four women experience workplace harassment but most do not report it for fear of retaliation.   It’s time we stopped placing the blame on women rather than those who harass them and say “you’re fired” to the perpetrator.  And it’s time we elect a president and members of Congress who understand this and do something about it.

                                                                                                                                                    Judith Wolf, MD    Associate Director, WHEP