In a striking parallel to historical cases of sexual violence, the ongoing trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has brought renewed focus on how society treats survivors of such crimes. The trial, now in its fourth week, has revealed troubling similarities to America’s first rape trial from 1793 involving 17-year-old Lanah Sawyer. In both cases, the survivors faced intense scrutiny about their actions and reactions to their assaults.
The trial against Combs has seen multiple women come forward with allegations of sexual violence and abuse. They have found themselves not only fighting for justice but also enduring a second round of questioning about their credibility. Questions like “Why didn’t they leave?” and “Why did they text him?” reflect a broader societal tendency to judge survivors based on their responses to trauma. This echoes the historical treatment of Sawyer, who was questioned about whether she screamed or fought back during her assault, ultimately leading to an acquittal for her attacker.
As the #MeToo movement has aimed to change the conversation around sexual violence, the current trial suggests that much remains the same. Despite years of advocacy, women are still often put on trial alongside their abusers, facing doubts about their honesty and motives. In the case of Combs, women have shared how they felt compelled to maintain a relationship with him to ensure their safety, a sentiment echoed by a witness who stated, “When he was happy, I was safe.” This highlights the complicated dynamics often present in abusive situations, where fear and manipulation can lead to a bond between the survivor and the abuser.
Media commentary has not been kind to the women testifying against Combs. Criticism has come from various public figures, including Bill Maher, who dismissed the complexities of their situations and suggested that women should report abuse immediately. This kind of rhetoric ignores the reality that many survivors do not feel safe or supported enough to come forward right away.
Experts in trauma have pointed out that responses to abuse can vary widely. Some survivors may freeze or attempt to appease their abuser, which can be misunderstood as complicity. This highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of trauma responses rather than a one-size-fits-all approach that expects victims to react in a certain way.
The trial continues to unfold, with more testimonies expected. As it does, it serves as a reminder of the long-standing challenges survivors face in seeking justice. Until society shifts its focus from questioning the validity of survivors’ experiences to supporting them, many will remain hesitant to speak out. The courage demonstrated by these women in court is not just about their individual experiences; it is about challenging a system that often fails to protect and validate them.