Since Spain’s win over England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup earlier this month, the focus has been diverted from the historic victory these women accomplished. Instead, focus is on Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales kissing star player Jennifer Hermoso in what she described as an “impulse-driven, sexist out of place act without any consent.” While Rubiales is receiving deserved backlash, this type of abuse is far from uncommon. Rather, this egregious conduct by Rubiales shines a light on the broader trends of sexism, lopsided power dynamics, and discrimination that women in sports and leadership continue to face.

As a sexual assault survivor advocate and attorney, I have represented dozens of women and girls in their fights for justice following sexual assault in the sports they loved. These survivors were often considered above all else, physically and mentally strong. Rubiales’s abusive behavior highlights how even women who would be considered the “toughest” in the world, at the pinnacle of their achievements, are not immune to gender discrimination, sexual violence, and harassment, even on a very public international stage. It also highlights that sexual violence has nothing to do with the strength of the victim, and everything to do with the person perpetrating the act of violence or discrimination.

To add insult to injury, women in positions of power often face more severe backlash and harassment following public abuse due to their prominence and perceived strength. By occupying spaces traditionally reserved for men and demanding they be treated with respect and dignity, these athletes open themselves up to criticism and harassment. In my own legal career and as a former professional athlete, I have faced harassment and discrimination that I know related directly to me being a woman in my sport and then in the professional legal world. As an experienced trial lawyer, I thought as I took a seat at the table in prominent cases involving the abuse of women and girls that I would not face the same treatment women often do in spaces dominated by men. Sadly, some men in these spaces still sought to wield their power to diminish my role and intimidate me into silence.

Ironically, this even happens in cases where we are seeking to end a culture of silence that enabled sexual abuse. As my involvement increased in large-scale civil cases, concerning the abuse of women and girls no less, the backlash I received seemed to increase proportionately from some men in leadership roles. Whether in my athletic endeavors, or in a law office –I have experienced ridicule, harassment, and pointedly-gendered abuse that was designed to try to keep me in my place. I empathize with Hermosa and women who face these sadly common experiences when they are literally at the “top of their game.” Even at my most successful and powerful, after my biggest wins–the focus often shifted to whether I was deserving of respect, dignity, and equal treatment, instead of staying where it should: on the work and contributions to my field.

The type of backlash that often follows these cases of abuse reaffirms the need for cultural change and inclusive environments. This issue is not confined to a single culture, industry, or sport. The problems spans sports and professional industries from soccer to gymnastics, from the law to the medical field. The focus on “Spanish macho culture” or the past failures by the powers that be in Spanish soccer to protect its players misses the point and merely scratches the surface of a problem that is both widespread and deeply ingrained in most cultures.

The fact that such behavior occurs on a world stage raises concerns about what happens behind closed doors to countless women and girls who lack public attention. This echoes the experiences of many survivors I’ve represented – their voices often go unheard, and their reports are dismissed.

To tackle this issue comprehensively, delving into its underlying causes is crucial. It’s not just about one act or individual. It’s a reflection of deeper cultural attitudes. Understanding why such behavior persists, even on a global stage, requires ongoing conversations about consent, gender, and equality. Increasing women’s representation and leadership across industries, whether it’s soccer or the legal world, is paramount.

While broader, institutional reforms lag behind, Jennifer Hermoso’s response offers a model for addressing this pervasive issue. By setting clear boundaries and unapologetically calling out unacceptable behavior, women in sports and across all industries can create change. Similarly, using these experiences as fuel to improve conditions for future women and initiate important conversations about sexism is essential.

Instead of being able to celebrate a monumental achievement, Jennifer Hermoso has been thrust into the limelight as a model of the pervasive nature of gender discrimination and harassment that women face, regardless of their accomplishments. Hermosa handled the conversation and her response has been inspiring to many women like me. But addressing the root causes will require ongoing discussions about consent, gender dynamics, and equal representation. By speaking out, unapologetically setting boundaries, and fostering inclusivity, women will continue to do the lion’s share of the necessary work to ensure equity in sports and beyond.