The Tribune

Editor. The Tribune

Once again, the misogyny of James Palacious has revealed itself in his victim blaming comments regarding sexual assault. Maya Angelou says it clearly: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”

The last time his misogyny oozed out was over the suggestion that women should be neutered. And now, we must dress according to the “Palacious dress code”. Perhaps this is a creative opportunity for him to design an anti-rape and anti-groping line of clothing.

Palacious has an offensive track record of issuing apologies after making misogynistic comments. And his comments are particularly damaging because so many people hold him in high regard.

It suggests that he should better inform himself about important issues of women’s rights, gender equality and sexual violence before speaking publicly. Those support systems exist and are well known to him.

This go to position of blaming women for the sexual harassment and physical abuse they endure only empowers perpetrators. It excuses and validates their behaviour with a wink and a nod.

It says: don’t worry; it’s not your fault; you won’t be held accountable. You are acting how any man would. She should not have dressed like that. She should not have asked for it.

Palacious’ comments were victim blaming and no amount of damage control can undo the clear signals they sent as a green light to perpetrators. His apologies are often successful in preserving his good standing in the public’s eye, but all of that grooming does nothing to reign in the behaviour of perpetrators or protect women.

Should we not expect our leaders to speak forthrightly and passionately when it comes to their condemnation of perpetrators? So many seem to be passionate about these issues but only when it comes to blaming victims.

May I suggest that on our collective journey in 2018 we challenge and disrupt this dysfunctional national narrative of blaming victims. We should name and shame the behaviour of perpetrators without apology and let perpetrators of harassment and abuse know in no uncertain terms that their behaviour is unacceptable and illegal. And collectively, we must hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.

Palacious has positioned himself to be an advocate and has offered his public support for important issues, including legislative reform to criminalise marital rape. However, he, and others, must understand their position of leadership is undermined when they give comfort to perpetrators through their words and their actions. If they are serious about advancing the cause to end gender base violence, they need to be more responsible and better informed.

Donna Nicolls

Deputy Director, Bahamas Crisis Center

Founder, Bahamas Women’s Watch