No, women shouldn’t Have to take the blame For abuse

Despite victim-blaming, threats, false equivalencies and gross exaggerations, we will continue to speak out.

We will continue to speak out so the next generation of 16-year-old girls can go to work and not expect sexual harassment. We will continue to speak out so the next generation of girls doesn’t have to take a martial art to protect themselves. We will continue to speak out so the next generation of girls isn’t blamed for the actions of their bosses, and won’t have to call their fathers to pick them up out of fear of being assaulted. We will continue to speak out so the next generation won’t internalize the guilt and shame of abusers.

I’m sorry Iris Winston did — but most of all, I’m sorry she won’t get to see the girls and women in power for the generations to come whose success will be a direct result of the hard work being put in by disabled women, women of colour and trans women, and the strength from women of every shape and size coming together to say #MeToo. Together, we are stronger.

All women deserve to live a harassment-free life. You may not say #metoo, but we will speak out for you all the same.

Holly Veale, Carp