- Hollywood mogul will go to jail for sexual abuse but so much more needs to be done to ensure women feel safe to speak out, including in Hong Kong
The conviction of Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is a landmark victory for victims of sexual abuse by men in positions of power. It reflects how much difference the #MeToo movement has made in shifting perceptions of predatory sexual behaviour. But it also shows how far society still has to go.
A jury found Weinstein guilty of a felony sex crime and third-degree rape, but acquitted him of the more serious counts of predatory sexual assault. He faces five to 25 years in jail.
He had been known for years to have used his position to prey on actresses. But until now none dared to speak up for fear of endangering their careers and out of a sense of "victim shame". It took years of persistence by victims, lawyers and investigators, documented by journalists, to bring Weinstein to account.
This was not the first opportunity to prosecute for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jnr. Five years ago, he declined to act on allegations against Weinstein. He eventually did so only after dozens of women went public with their own allegations of violence and harassment against powerful men. Weinstein's downfall prompted similar outcries of violence and harassment against dozens of powerful men that spread to Britain and Europe.
The circumstances of the Weinstein scandal bring hope. Celebrated actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie gave accusations unprecedented clout and empowered other victims.
That said, they still have to overcome a formidable obstacle " mistrust of women who allege sexual assault in the (usual) absence of physical or other corroborating evidence.
As a result, most sexual assault victims still have little faith in the justice system. Weinstein's conviction, however, shows justice is not beyond reach. It marks a shift in the balance of power between sexual predators and victims.
Weinstein convicted of sexual assault, in landmark #MeToo moment
In Hong Kong, past studies by the Equal Opportunities Commission show sexual misconduct in the workplace and at universities and schools is almost as commonplace as in the US.
There remains a need for more anti-discrimination policies and awareness training. No one should be made to feel unsafe at work or school. It should be made easier to report sexual harassment and the consequences should be explicit.
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