In light of recent allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, it is important that we as a society take a step back and reflect on our own behavior. Not only do we have to prosecute offenders, but also dismantle the culture that allows such things to happen.

Rape culture is loosely defined as sexual assault being widespread but normalized because of societal attitudes toward gender and sexuality.

Rape culture is upheld when society says that a victim was “asking for it." By definition, rape cannot be asked for.

Rape culture is upheld when the victim is asked what they were wearing, if they had been drinking, if there was any way they put themselves in a vulnerable position.

Rape culture is upheld when parents teach their daughters to be careful rather than teaching their sons to be respectful.

Rape culture is upheld in the way we talk about women; in movies and media, in day to day conversation, even within our own thoughts.

Rape culture is upheld when we say “it’s just a joke."

Rape culture will continue to be upheld until we do something to take it down.

Another important thing to think about it believing victims. The growing number of women accusing Weinstein of assault have shown nothing short of absolute bravery. It takes so much courage to stand up and say you were wronged, knowing that many will say you are lying.

At this point “innocent until proven guilty” will not save Harvey Weinstein. He is clearly not an innocent man. By not wanting to believe the victims, by wanting to give Weinstein the benefit of the doubt, we are upholding rape culture, and that will just continue the vicious cycle that brought us here in the first place. Statistics on sexual assault prove that false accusations are highly uncommon.

It does not matter how many years ago the incident occurred; it does not matter if the victim did not give an outright “no;" it does not matter how rich and powerful the offender is. If the law cannot take down Harvey Weinstein, the court of public opinion surely can.

We as a society can refuse to partake in any of his future works, and fight for more recognition to the actresses and actors he has harassed over the years. We can break the cycle of unreported sexual assault, and maybe someday, diminish sexual assault altogether. But it has to start with us.