Victim Blaming And Fragile Women.

[sapelesam]

It was only a matter of time before someone stuck their head above the parapet, Anne Robinson, and asked why none of the victims of sexual harassment have delivered a quick slap or a mouthful of invective. As a mere male I have always been puzzled by the reaction of educated women in these situations. I know these men often have power over the victims, but I've seen this behaviour in the workplace shut down very rapidly by smart women. The perpetrator then scuttles off with his tail between his legs. Is there a female AB'er who can tell me why this situation is allowed to continue, or am I simplifying a complex situation.

[jennyjoan]

Many years ago when I was doing night-time bar waiting. I was standing at the bar waiting for tray to fill up with the usual pints etc. Along came a guy who was another waiter who gave me one smack on the bottom (in front of loads of people) - the pain of the smack went to my very heart and I started to hyperventilate I went into so much shock. My boss gave me a glass of water and the culprit went off laughing his head off. I have never gotten over that - that even when I type this I am breathing breathlessly. I was about 23 at the time - so no you don't have any control then anyway - Now I think the women are not so soft.

[jourdain2]

I think that most people have understood that a lot depends on age and circumstance. Age 16, a man in a mac (honestly)edged towards me on the back seat of a bus and began stroking my knee (mini-skirt era) , when I edged away, he edged also and continued. I didn't know what to do and got off a stop early. I scrubbed that knee all evening.
A few years later, a youth pinched my bottom in WH Smith's - I whirled round, screamed at him, jabbed him repeatedly with my brolly and drove him the length of the store and out of the door.
Later still, I learned to be a withering 'Lady Bracknell'.
So, to OP - there is not one answer.