Why the Weinstein Verdict Is Such A Win

The sentencing came out yesterday in the Harvey Weinstein case. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison. [Insert confetti and clapping hands emoji]

As a survivor myself of sexual assault who also went through a (almost two-year long) court case I tend to follow higher profile rape & sexual assault cases a bit more closely than the average bear when they are in the news. I think for fellow survivors of sexual crimes these higher profile cases are so monumental because we all know what those other victims are feeling. The violation. The utter helplessness. Finding yourself filing paperwork in stiff and static offices regarding some of the most private information for strangers to hear and discuss, secretaries to file into records, people to pass judgement. It’s surreal and awful and I don’t wish it on anyone. The higher profile perps represent the mutant that violated you. Like a giant spotlight is on them, and hearing the verdict can either give you vindication or swell more anger and rage that another POS got away with a crime that makes someone else feel so displaced.

So for me, reading the news of the Weinstein verdict and then the length of his sentencing felt like a personal victory, and I just wanted to say that for fellow survivors out there. People are finally recognizing these crimes have long lasting impacts on the people involved. I think the criminal justice system is gradually acknowledging that and this case proves it.

I know the COVID-19 news is mostly the focus for the next few weeks but I couldn’t let the Weinstein verdict pass without writing out my gratitude to the survivors that all came forward, the lawyers, the jurors and Judge James Burke in being some of the dominoes in this chain to make this outcome happen.

Fill yourself in here if you missed this in the news.

Not to get too personal, but are you a survivor? Do you share these sentiments? Let me know – it’s always nice to know you’re not alone 🙂 #MeToo

*BTW, if you are a survivor and grappling or in need of any help whatsoever, never forget you are never alone and there are local support services in your area to help you navigate through everything. If you don’t know where to start for local support services, utilize the amazing agency of RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). Their hotline is 800.656.HOPE (4673)