Believe all women? Yes: mostly

The worst, most unwanted elephant in the feminist room

Disclaimer: anything I reference in this piece is generalised commentary in the wake of dialogue on several high profile celebrity cases and not directly referring to any ongoing dispute, allegation, or case. These are my personal opinions and I support empathy and due process.

I’m watching that Dispatches documentary on Russell Brand with a close friend, with total conviction. “It’s obviously all true,” I say, in repulsion. “There’s way too much evidence.” “Yep,” my friend says. I’m impressed by his detachment, rationality, and empathy. Because he, a few years back, had been falsely accused by an abusive ex who decided to ‘punish him’ for ending their relationship. He’d got a restraining order and she’d pled guilty, but still: that must leave a wound.

Believe all women works until it doesn’t: and that’s shooting ourselves in the foot

Most of the time: and by that I mean spectacularly, overwhelmingly, and by a landslide, those who speak out are telling the truth. As a woman I can Q&A all the usual myths with first-hand and second-hand accounts:

Why didn’t you say anything? A) Scared.

Why didn’t you report it? A) Didn’t want to go through it all again.

Why didn’t you fight back? A) See Q1.