Why Sexual Assault Survivors Stay Quiet

[Panel 1: A stick figure on the left side of the panel is standing with their elbows bent and arms pointing up. The stick figure says “Bob Smith groped my breasts at Generi-con last month.” To the right of the figure there are 7 sets of text. They read: “Why are you trying to ruin Bob’s reputation?” “Another man condemned without trial in the court of internet opinion.” “Which hunt!” “Online lynch mob!” “I’ve never seen bob harass anyone!” “That’s not really harassment. It’s just Bob being Bob.” “Ridiculous gossip.”]

[Panel 2: The stick figure, unchanged in appearance or pose, says “I was sexually harassed last month, but I’d prefer not to name names.” Text to the right of the figure read: “How can I judge the situation if you won’t be specific?” “If you were really harassed, you’d give the details.” “These vague and nebulous references are worse than useless.” “If you don’t name names, you’re responsible if he does it again!”]

[Panel 3: This time the stick figure is shown with their arms down at their sides and their head hung. They are silent. The text to the right reads: “She’s not saying anything. That must mean nothing happened.” “I haven’t heard about all this sexual harassment. It must not really be a problem.” “If this is so widespread, why don’t more women speak out?” “Why on earth would a woman be afraid to report harassment?” “Oh, good. Can we get back to talking about real problems now?”]