Within 2017, there have been countless sexual harassment accusations that have surfaced by many well-known people. The accusations against Harvey Weinstein, who has been accused by dozens of women, according to CNN, have broken a barrier for many hiding their experiences of assault. While many condone the brave women who have been willing to expose themselves and speak of the harassment committed towards them, many people are still wary of the truth of the accusations, or just the severity of them.

I overheard a conversation about the numerous assaults that have broken the news. I was surprised, and ashamed when I heard the conversation turn malevolent and careless.

“They should be happy that someone wants them,” said a grown woman about the many women who have been assaulted.

“I agree! I’d love it if I knew that men wanted me,” said the woman sitting next to her.

I was appalled when I heard these words. People in today’s society are still doubting and judging women for sharing the hardships they’ve faced. They are justifying the act of assault and sexual harassment, which is completely wrong. The reason why so many women have waited to expose powerful men of harassment is that they are afraid of this type of backlash. They are afraid that they will be judged, ignored, laughed at or mistaken. Normalizing the act of sexual harassment, by men or women, is one of the reasons that it still goes on today.

It seems as if every day there is a new sexual harassment accusation against famous figures: politicians such as Ray Moore and Al Franken, actors such as Kevin Spacey or Ben Affleck and directors and producers like Weinstein. We should come together and support the women and men who are brave enough to share their stories of abuse and assault, not judge or doubt them.