Findings released from the New York attorney general’s office last week regarding the sexual harassment investigation against Gov. Andrew Cuomo have swiftly set into motion condemnation from the Democratic Party, including President Joe Biden, and a possible impeachment on the horizon.
Eleven women came forward with allegations of unwanted touching, kissing, and inappropriate sexual comments that “created a hostile work environment.” They should be commended for their courage. Anyone who has experienced workplace sexual harassment is aware of the retribution and personal attacks that await them should they decide to speak out.
Almost four years after the #MeToo movement gained widespread attention, despite its excesses, there has been positive change. Victim’s complaints are now taken more seriously. Workplace norms, pertaining to what is considered acceptable versus unacceptable behavior, have improved. But exempt from the conversation — unhelpfully cast aside as “victim-blaming” — has been vital knowledge that could help women (and men) protect themselves.
There are several possible reasons why serial sexual harassers behave the way they do. (As I have never met Cuomo, I can’t speak to the specifics of his case.) The most common narrative we hear today is that men sexually abuse women, not for sexual reasons, but due to “power.” From a scientific perspective, however, this explanation is incorrect because plenty of men who possess power wouldn’t fathom treating women this way.
As someone who has worked with sexual offenders both clinically and in a research capacity, I have seen that antisocial personality disorder is a common presentation, characterized by manipulativeness and an indifference to others’ well-being. Narcissistic personality disorder consists of haughty and entitled behavior, including in the realm of sex. Sexual sadism disorder involves sexual pleasure obtained from inflicting humiliation or suffering on victims.
As a result, cultural movements such as #MeToo are effective at adjusting pro-social men’s behavior in the workplace, but they don’t account for individuals who will continue to harass and exploit their subordinates because they don’t believe they should have to abide by social norms. Of note, personality disorders are not typically successfully treated through therapeutic interventions such as counseling.
Take heed if someone has a reputation for abusive or lecherous behavior, and warn others who may not be aware. If you experience harassment, keep a timeline of events and seek witnesses.
Watch out for signs of sexual grooming from a perpetrator, which can include sharing personal details to gain trust, creating excuses to be alone together, and physical contact that begins non-sexually and appears innocuous, so that a victim will be desensitized when touching eventually turns sexual.
Dr. Debra Soh is a sex neuroscientist, the host of The Dr. Debra Soh Podcast, and the author of The End of Gender: Debunking the Myths About Sex and Identity in Our Society.
