The MeToo movement is puttering along now, after a first burst on social media. We are now in what can be broadly termed as the second phase of this movement. Many have called out the tormentors, named and shamed them, so what happens now? Reports are coming in about women backing out, which means they are refusing to go to the police with the complaint. They may be pressured by the powerful men they have accused, his loyalists, friends and influencers. All those in his corner may be piling on unknown, intangible but undeniable pressure.

For some, the complaints may not translate into First Information Reports (FIRs) as incidents that have happened years ago, or even recently, may not be able to be 'proven' in the strict, narrow term. How do you prove that an accused eyes roamed over the victim making her uncomfortable? Would you be able to prove the whispered comment that nobody else could catch? It is difficult to prove an intangible but credible culture of misogyny and entitlement fostered by the molestor's behaviour.