In the wake of Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination for the Supreme Court, the “#MeToo” movement has been a rallying cry against the nomination, and has brought it right back to the spotlight.
However, Women’s Protective Services said it is too early to tell whether it has caused more women to share their stories of sexual assault here in Lubbock.
“This is new territory for us. I hope women feel emboldened, but we just don’t know yet,” said Steven Garcia, coordinator of community education.
Traditionally, Women’s Protective Services has dealt with domestic abuse victims, but Garcia said the line concerning abuse is getting blurry.
“In both domestic and in Me Too, the abusers have the privilege of power, control over that person,” said Garcia. “I mean you could be a good husband, but be this monster at work, and vice versa.”
In severe cases, WPS has even had to house women from the person they have accused for their own protection.
“There is always a retaliation factor, and when you come out, in some people’s eyes, and expose that person, then there’s going to be blow back,” said Garcia.
However, Garcia believes the movement is too important to slow down, and says those responsible for workplace abuse are now being held accountable for their actions.
“This behavior is no longer tolerable,” said Garcia. “It has been tolerable for a long time now, and now the mindset is changing to what it acceptable and not acceptable.”
If you or anyone you know is in a dangerous situation, domestic or workplace, you are encouraged to give Women’s Protective Services at their hotline 806-748-5292.
