ARE YOU A BYSTANDER OR AN ENABLER?

What do Jeffrey Epstein (Millionaire Financier), R. Kelly (Singer Icon), Harvey Weinstein (Hollywood Director), and Bill Cosby (Actor) all have in common? Setting aside their alleged predator status for a moment, more alarming might be how each of them was able to get away with their sexual abuses and assaults for many years without serious consequences.

How many people stood by and witnessed their behavior as bystanders, including acquaintances, friends, family and employees? Worse, how many people did they have on their payroll or in their extended social circles who assisted or enabled or were complicit in coordinating women to be violated, and in the cases of R. Kelly and Epstein, underaged girls.

Each of these alleged perpetrators had money, power and influence to force compliance and possibly even participation. There were likely witnesses, travel coordinators, drivers, housekeepers, assistants handling money payments, and other bystanders part of each alleged perpetrator’s employment and social circles.

Not taking action, speaking up, or reporting allowed these men to create an ever-expanding web of new victims who could have been helped. Did these bystanders, enablers, or participants view their role as adding value to their relationship with these alleged perpetrators or were they worried if they did not comply they would lose their jobs, financial support or influence? Were they aware that as an enabler or participant, they might have violated the law?

In R. Kelly’s case, according to the LA Times , his former manager and another employee have been included as defendants in the indictment charging R. Kelly with child pornography, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

As a bystander, how far will you go to compromise your own values and ethics? How far will you go as an employee?

What will you do today to #beupstanding to help #changetheculture for an environment without #abuse and #workplacesexualharassment?