Powerful #MeToo Awareness Goes Viral on Social Media
Business man Harvey Weinstein was recently publicly accused of sexually assaulting multiple women throughout his career, was the straw that broke the camel’s back, his recent exposure was. In light of recent news, his case was perhaps the tipping point for the viral #MeToo trend, which has given voices to victims of sexual assault everywhere.
Waves of women and men have begun to come forward and share their stories. The trend on social media has taken social media by storm. The #MeToo is a segue allowing the once voiceless victims a medium to stand and speak about past traumatic experiences from being sexually assault. The painful sexual assault experiences with the world to make people aware of the unfortunate experiences that happen behind closed doors.
Weinstein was not an isolated case. Many people in power use their authority to sexually assault others as a form of manipulation. Physical, mental, and verbal abuse happens too often. Just look to our president – a man who openly objectifies women. Below is one of his statements, according to vox.com:
“When you’re a star, they let you do it,” Trump continued, as Bush laughed. “Grab ’em by the pussy. You can do anything.”
When People in power make statements shown above, it influences others to do the same. People in power also have less to lose when they have money to buy their way out of anything, letting them say and do as they please. Weinstein is a good example of someone who got away with objectifying women and using them for his sexual desires for too long, and now he is exposed and vulnerable to loss of credibility and power due to his negligent actions.
Statements that objectify women and men as sexual inventory that can be used, abused, and discarded literally dehumanize a person. This is not harmonious and causes more harm than good. The #MeToo trend begins to light the horrific private assaults against people who have experienced sexual trauma and abuse. Perhaps the #MeToo movement can eradicate this unacceptable behavior, and help influence people to make better decisions.
Sexual Assault Statistics
The New York Times posted an article explaining that 1 in 5 women were a victim of sexual assault, a state founded in a survey conducted back in 2010 called the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, which was conducted via a telephone survey of 16,507 adults.
Moreover, an article posted in the Huffington Post rounded up, even more, data about victims of sexual assault:
17,700,000 – The estimated number of women who have been the victims of rape since 1998.
99 – The percentage of perpetrators of sexual violence that will walk free.
3 – The percentage of men who will be raped in their lifetime.
90 – The percentage of adult rape victims that are female.
321,500 – The average number of victims of rape and sexual assault per year in the U.S.
It is clear to see that sexual assault happens away more often than people estimate. Not just celebrities, but everyday people you pass in the hallway, the streets, and in the elevator. Sexual assault happens, and the #meToo trend has made people more aware than ever. Why Assault Victims Are Sometimes Voiceless
Sexual assault victims tend to hide their unfortunate experiences because they feel they are guilty and may have caused the sexual assault to happen.
Old school folks believe that the way you dress invites people to sexually assault you. This is incorrect because people are responsible for their own actions. By dressing a certain modest, sexual, or nude, your manner of dressing is NOT consent for another person to touch you, or even to sexually assault you.
Bringing #metoo Together
It’s unfortunate that situations like these happen. No person has a right to sexually assault another. This behavior is uncalled for, and people are becoming aware thanks to the #MeToo trend.
Women are now breaking the silence in order to protect future generations from having the same emotionally scarring sexual assault experiences. Covering it up and not talking about sexual assault does not fix anything. The #MeToo trend is making it okay to open up and talk about uncomfortable situations.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, empower yourself and help more people become aware by using the #MeToo hashtag in your social media. Share your store, and empower others to come out. Coming out and being honest can release a lot of tension, go ahead and set yourself free. You are worthy and valuable.
