Taylor Swift's victory over assaulter a victory for women

Taylor Swift is not someone whose actions I follow closely. I wouldn't call myself a fan; I am unfamiliar with her music. However, this week the outcome of the singer's trial against a man who assaulted her caught my attention. The facts are as follows: during a backstage photo opportunity in 2013 David Mueller put his hand under her skirt and grabbed her bottom. During the ensuing trial over this assault Swift provided blunt, unapologetic testimony. She did not mince her words or allow Mueller's lawyer to lay the blame on her, as is often seen in sexual assault trials. The jury found Mueller guilty and awarded her the damages she requested (i.e. $1).

This is clearly a victory for women and girls: in a high profile case the female victim of assault won her case against a male aggressor. Little girls who look up to Swift as their idol will feel empowered and likely remember this in the future when and if they are sexually assaulted--and chances are they will since the stats are not in their favour. Moreover, sexual assault survivors might feel encouraged by this victory to lay charges themselves--something that happens all too rarely. 

 © 2017 Alline Cormier

Picture by The Independent