Sexual Abuse

[sp1814]

Are men becoming worse, or is it being reported more now?

From Hollywood, to the fashion industry, to sports, to Westminster, to television - in the past couple of years on an almost daily basis, we have been seen stories of men abusing their position - grooming, assaulting, raping, molesting and so on.

Is it because women are more likely to come forward (even those there are some who want them to be 'named and shamed' should their claim of assault/rape not be upheld), or something more insidious about men in the 21st century?

[woofgang]

more reporting....same as child abuse.

[-Talbot-]

Hopefully, it is because sexual abuse crimes are now being reported more than they once were.

I do think that is the case.

[sp1814]

But it's not even only sexual abuse in the criminal sense. It's all kinds of inappropriate behaviour.

I've got mates who work in television news, and in the past couple of years they've had to revisit all the pre-prepared obits (they have them ready for when a famous celebrity dies) to check which ones need to be edited in case of rumours circulating about them.

[Old_Geezer]

Tolerated less, reported more. We've all known/seen some who go too far.

[ToraToraTora]

it's reported more now. In the wake of Saville etc and avalanche of accusers and acusees.

[anneasquith]

Victims have gained more confidence in being believed now .

[david small]

Many years ago a job l had involved changing the pull down towels in factory toilets. I had to walk through at least a hundred women working on machinery making ladies tights. The comments called out to me would make a sailor blush. But worse, they had been known to trap some poor fellows in the toilets, and there, strip them naked, grope them and then run off laughing..
I was warned about this before going in. It is not just men who do these things. I could tell some tales...

[EDDIE51]

Not happening more. It's just become 'flavour of the month' with the media.

[ToraToraTora]

where is this place david? :)

[ummmm]

It's being reported more. For so so long there was an element of shame on the victims part. Thank goodness the shame is being taken away.

Wish it happened in my day.

[Old_Geezer]

I think it did. Did you miss out ?

[Mamyalynne]

There is less fear of attracting criticism by speaking out now (though at times I wonder if that is slipping back again) , years ago we were told to hush up, get on with your life and not make waves.

Well, it make take a tsunami but that attitude has to go, from all sides and sexes.

[ummmm]

David...did you fight back? If not, why not? How old were you? Were you a very young teen, or younger? Did those women make sure you wouldn't be believed if you came forward? Were you scared? I could go on....

[Old_Geezer]

He'd have been embarrassed but knew others would consider he hadn't 'taken it like a man' if he had complained about it.

[Mamyalynne]

There's no doubt that some women have a bad attitude especially when in a large group but let's not let this become some daft kind of tit for tat conversation.

All inappropriate behaviour stinks.

[tonyav]

LOL, a different breed those factory gals in the 1970's weren't they david.

[naomi24]

Men aren’t becoming worse – I imagine the majority of them are frightened out of their wits by what’s happening now - but women are more willing to take action when it happens to them. The problem I have with it though is that some women are jumping on the bandwagon and making a meal of it, so to speak. A hand on a shoulder or on a covered knee, or an attempted chat-up, does not constitute sexual abuse.

[david small]

3t it was in the midlands there were several establishments employing hundreds of women in hosiery manufacturing.
Ummmm. I was sixteen, and felt quite intimidated, but I was quick on my feet, avoiding eye contact and did not return any banter. The women thought it harmless fun and it broke up a boring day.

[jourdain2]

Precisely, Naomi. I assume that this 'stag' dinner at the Dorchester has prompted this post. Yes, reprehensible behaviour by some - and much more likely to be reported these days, so hope some chaps are taking note - but t.b.h. this how some men have always behaved if 'let off the leash'. Reading earlier posts, I gather that some women also behave improperly.

It all seems fairly innocuous to me - the ladies concerned should have been capable of coping with an arm around the waist (very easy to cope with). I also gather that they were told to wear 'sexy' high heels, black knickers and tiny black dresses. Surely that should have rung a few alarm bells for any timorous virgins? Grow up girls!

I know so many lovely, enlightened, intelligent, sensible, loveable men that I am not about to castigate the lot of them. It is a few.

I don't think 21st Century men are any different from their forebears, just that they are more likely to be reported for any infringement of current standards. This whole story is blown up out of all proportions i.m.o..

[douglas9401]

All we need is for Meghan to announce she's pregnant and this will all vanish like snow off a dyke.
It's real life and nobody cares, rich people hire poorer people to do things for money, there just happened to be an undercover reporter at this one too so we get cheap thrills.
Not exactly the Belgrano or Watergate.