A New York court has overturned a sex crime conviction against Harvey Weinstein. What does the overturning of the verdict mean for victims of sexual violence – beyond Hollywood? The media is crucial for the perception of the victims, says Agota Lavoyer, an expert on sexual violence.
SRF: The verdict against Harvey Weinstein has been overturned. Is this a symbolic slap in the face to women who have experienced sexual violence?
Agotha Lavoyer: Absolutely. It shows how difficult it is for those affected to obtain justice through criminal proceedings. Even in a case of such magnitude that one thought it was over.
One fear: could the overturning of the verdict weaken the Me Too movement that arose in the wake of the Weinstein case?
The discussion reminds me of the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp case. Although Depp is a convicted perpetrator, Heard was portrayed in the media as a perpetrator. There was also talk at the time that Heard was damaging the Me Too movement. I also saw this tendency in the comments on the Weinstein coverage. Many are prepared not to see Weinstein as a perpetrator.
That’s why media coverage is important. Weinstein remains a sexual predator who committed violence against dozens of women. A verdict is overturned because there was a procedural error. Another judgment remains.
It often takes a lot of effort for victims to talk about their experience. Can the annulment of such a judgment create additional inhibitions?
The topic of sexual violence is sensitive. There are many fears and feelings associated with it. Such a cancellation can be inhibiting. The Weinstein case shows very clearly that law and justice are not the same thing. It is therefore important that the discussion does not shift to the fact that the Me Too movement was in vain.
I would like to see a discussion about how difficult these criminal proceedings are for those affected and how few convictions there are. And how much hate and shame those affected who speak out or report publicly experience.
When the Me Too movement emerged, did you notice in victim support that more victims dared to speak about their experiences?
Indirectly, yes. The Me Too movement has made a taboo topic visible to the general public. It was talked about in the media, in politics, and even in private. It has made it easier for those affected to access support services. Me-Too also contributed a lot to the reform of sexual criminal law in Switzerland.
Has Me-Too taken away the shame that comes with being a victim?
Victims of sexual violence are still blamed and shamed – very few receive unconditional support. You could see this with the influencer, for example Morena Diaz, who was verbally abused when she publicly said she had experienced sexual violence.
The Me-Too movement has become a global protest movement and stands for the fact that those affected are not alone and that sexual violence has structural causes. The movement has empowered many affected people, but urgent political action is needed. More resources for support services and prevention, but also more victim-friendly procedures.
The interview was conducted by Danja Nüesch.