Is It Ever Appropriate To Blame A Victim Of Sexual Harassment For “Teasing”?

As more women come forward with stories of sexual harassment committed by prominent men, there are those who question whether women are sending mixed signals. “But look at how she dresses!” some have said accusingly. In countries such as Saudi Arabia and others where the cultural practice is strict separation of men and women in the workplace, in the schools and even in the houses of worship, some say this lifestyle eliminates harassment of women.  But does this lifestyle give women equal access to opportunities in business, education, government and other areas of decision making? Above all, does this way of life teach men to respect the humanity of women as equals, does it teach men to take responsibility for their behavior, or does it still shame women, question their moral and hold them responsible if they are sexually assaulted? Is it time to create a different set of standards when it comes to the behavior between men and women?