Accusations should not be dismissed just because they are old

[Costanza]

So many times when a woman speaks out on an experience years after the fact, people will say “What took her so long” or suggest waiting that long means the story is a lie, as in the Cosby case.





This 96 year old labor legend only came forward because other stories came out. She has no reason to lie. Sometimes people stay silent and something happens to make them want to speak or feel compelled to speak.

It is just one example but a super clear one of how circumstances change and people’s mind changes for whatever reason. People need to stop dismissing women because they immediately don’t speak up or even if it takes them 60 years to speak up.

 

[Costanza]

 

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[EchoCrash]

Just a question:
Should charges be pursued by the state when all the accuser has is their word?

That’s all it takes. No forensic evidence, no physical evidence, just someone who is “credible” and has a story to tell. The burden needs to be much higher. Nothing against the claimant, but it’s too easy to jam people up over allegations that are turned into the narrative they might be pitching.

 

[Costanza]

Just a question:
Should charges be pursued by the state when all the accuser has is their word?

That’s all it takes. No forensic evidence, no physical evidence, just someone who is “credible” and has a story to tell. The burden needs to be much higher. Nothing against the claimant, but it’s too easy to jam people up over allegations that are turned into the narrative they might be pitching.

Criminal charges weren’t pursued in any of the instances highlighted.

My interest is less in the state than it is the people… Many, particularly men, assert that we should dismiss such claims as lies.