Horrible. My own father experienced this though the allegation was not of a sexual nature. My dad was 83 or 84 at the time and had been the president of the board of directors of a British Columbia credit union for many years (and before that the vice president and before that a board member). A secretary accused him of 'bullying' because he had, allegedly, raised his voice in speaking to her. My father went along with the investigation in good faith, thinking he would surely be cleared. He had worked harmoniously with secretaries and everyone else for decades.

What my father did not understand was that his fate was determined the moment the accusation was made simply because it is easier that way on everyone but the accused. The credit union did not want some sort of lawsuit from the woman. An adjudicator was brought in who found that, after interviewing my father and the woman and some others, it was more likely than not that her complaint was justified. No one else had heard the alleged bullying. My father's own lawyer was resigned to the outcome and did not mount a spirited defence. My father was worn down by the whole process--shocked and betrayed--and volunteered to resign rather than be forced out. He was sent off with muted good will after many decades of selfless involvement in the credit union.

This incident did not turn me into an anti-feminist. I was already that. It just filled me with rage and quiet wonder at how so many women managed their ridiculous, heartless, victoryless coup.