As a guy that was falsely accused of domestic violence and rape, I experienced firsthand the huge difference in how such accusations are viewed. I was assumed guilty, especially by law enforcement, the legal community and friends, neighbors and coworkers I wasn’t close with. It was tough, and embarrassing too.

That said, I fully understand that I was the odd case. Far more women genuinely experience sexual assuault and abuse by men and struggle to get the support they need than men that experience what I did… the difference is orders of magnitude. Just because I experienced some unequal treatment based on my gender doesn’t change the fact that women disproportionately suffer greatly at the hands of men and awareness and change is needed.

My personal experience doesn’t diminish the vastly greater numbers of women that suffer worse.