Addressing Sexual Abuse in Elite Industries: Creating Lasting Change

Sexual abuse and harassment have been pervasive in elite industries for far too long. It’s time to put an end to the culture of misogynistic entitlement that enables abusers to get away with their actions without any consequences. This culture turns a blind eye to sexual abuse and enables bosses, coaches, and other influential individuals to assert their power, demanding sexual favors as a prerequisite for career advancement and threatening to crush dreams if their victims dare to speak up. A Case for Women (ACFW) is determined to shine a light on this culture that flourishes within esteemed corporate powerhouses and athletic institutions. As survivors, we understand that the fear of retaliation can be overwhelming, but we urge you not to stay silent.

Alarming statistics from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reveal that between 2018 and 2021, they received over 98,000 charges related to general harassment and 27,291 charges specifically related to sexual harassment. These numbers likely only scratch the surface, as many survivors are too afraid to come forward, let alone report their experiences to the EEOC. It’s time to break this cycle of silence, for nothing will change unless survivors find their voice.

#icouldntsayno Campaign

Introducing #icouldntsayno, an advocacy campaign launched by A Case for Women, aimed at eradicating systemic sexual abuse in high places. We acknowledge the genuine fear that prevents many survivors from speaking out. However, if we remain silent, the perpetrators will continue to prevail, and that’s precisely what we’re here to stop. Through #icouldntsayno, we harness the power of civil legal action to hold entitled bosses, colleagues, and coaches accountable for their heinous actions.

Stop Blaming Yourself: It’s Not Your Fault

It’s crucial to remember that it’s not your fault if you’ve experienced sexual abuse or harassment. Experts in sexual abuse have labeled the power imbalances within workplaces as “quid pro quo.” However, it’s important to recognize that these imbalances are far from being a mere exchange. They create inescapable dilemmas, where predatory bosses and authority figures dehumanize victims by promising not to destroy their dreams as long as they comply and remain silent.

Now’s the Time: Pursuing Legal Action

Timing is everything. It often takes survivors of sexual assault years to gather the strength to speak up about their experiences. Despite the efforts of those who try to silence us, this delay is a normal part of the healing process. Unfortunately, this psychological truth often restricts survivors from pursuing legal action due to short Statutes of Limitations (SOL) in most states, which typically range from 2 to 3 years. However, there is hope. States like New York and California have implemented what is known as an “open window” for the SOL. In New York, the look-back window extends all the way to 1968, but cases must be filed by November 2023. In California, the look-back window goes back to 2009, allowing survivors until December 2026 to file their cases and seek justice.

#icsn wants to help you achieve justice. A Case for Women has partnered with Boucher LLP, a California-based sexual assault law firm, to assist women who have experienced sexual assault in the workplace or within athletic environments. Together, we aim to empower survivors by encouraging them to share their stories and pursue civil litigation against the institutions that failed to protect them.

A Case for Women was founded in 2017 by individuals who have personally endured the abhorrent attitudes and actions of male authority figures, who believed they were untouchable. We understand the pain and trauma that survivors have experienced because many of us have been there ourselves. We ask you to trust us because we’ve walked in your shoes.

Reclaim Your Power: Join the #icouldntsayno Movement

If you or someone you know has suffered sexual abuse or assault in an elite office or sports league, we are here to listen and support you. We work with highly skilled lawyers who are dedicated to protecting and defending survivors from power figures who exploit women using a toxic combination of false promises and ultimatums.

The #icouldntsayno campaign is about reclaiming your power and holding abusers accountable for their actions. If you’re ready to speak up and seek justice, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we can create a lasting change and ensure that sexual abuse in elite industries becomes a thing of the past. It’s time to reclaim our power, break the silence, and demand justice.

Addressing Sexual Abuse in Elite Industries: Creating Lasting Change

#icouldntsayno Campaign

Stop Blaming Yourself: It’s Not Your Fault

Now’s the Time: Pursuing Legal Action

Reclaim Your Power: Join the #icouldntsayno Movement

Issues

“PARIS” Comes Clean.