This week alone in Australia, hundreds of women in the music industry have published an open letter calling for an end to sexism and harassment in the industry, and sharing stories of abuse. They’re using the hashtag #meNOmore to highlight issue. Some of the prominent signatures on the open letter include Tina Arena, Courtney Barnett and Missy Higgins.
Meanwhile, a survey by Books & Publishing has found that more than half of the 213 respondents reported some form of sexual harassment, with one reporting they were assaulted at a publisher’s sales conference.
A separate survey by the union Equity has found that one in seven people working in Australia’s live theatre industry has been sexually assaulted, with the perpetrator usually being a fellow cast member.
Over in the US, a group of women have detailed what they say has been “serial misconduct and pervasion” by President Donald Trump. They claim they’ve been groped, forcibly kissed and fondled by Trump. More than 15 women have come forward.
But today could make a significant turning point regarding the future prospects of powerful men.
Today, Americans in Alabama are going to the polls for a special Senate election between Democrat Doug Jones and Republican Roy Moore.
The fact Roy Moore got this far is mind-boggling, as is the idea he could still potentially win.
Moore is an alleged sexual pest, with a number of women coming accusing him of sexual misconduct when they were teenagers. It started with a number of women telling The Washington Post he pursued them romantically or sexually when they were under 18 and he was in his 30, including one who claims he touched her inappropriately when she was 14.
Within days, more women came forward, including one who claims she was sexually assaulted by Moore when she was just 16.
Still, President Donald Trump formally endorsed Moore earlier this month, and while the Republican National Committee initially pulled its final support for the candidate, that support has since been restored.
Could an alleged child molester really become an elected Republican senator?
We’ll soon know.