#MeToo gives solidarity to people affected by assault
October 18, 2017
Trending on social media, #metoo was established to raise awareness for the amount of sexual assault that takes place and to allow those affected to stand together.
The hashtag started after this tweet by actress Alyssa Milano:
If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017
Milano tweeted in the wake of the numerous sexual assault allegations against former producer and studio executive Harvey Weinstein.
Those all over, including in the WKU and Bowling Green area, have been using the tag. Certain participants are reposting the above, while others are posting their stories, or opinions, while many just put “me too” as their status or tweet.
Me, too. Just like every other woman I know. https://t.co/u4ENYHO2zi
— Jordan Frodge (@jfrodge) October 17, 2017
The tag gives a sense of the scope of people affected by sexual violence. It is also a place for discussion on sexual assault and the way it is handled.
#metoo It’s so pervasive that we’ve all just accepted it as a part of life. Talking about it like this is the first step to changing that.
— Molly McCaffrey (@MollyMcCaffrey) October 16, 2017
It has started a conversation about victim blaming, which can frequently be a problem with these cases, where those who have been assaulted are not believed.
I shared my #MeToo and had 5 people tell me that I was lying in the first hour.
— Tabitha Conley (@tabithaconley) October 17, 2017
There has been debate over whether or not the tag extends to men who have been sexually assaulted as well. One side views it distracts from the issue that sexual assault affects women in greater numbers.
I am so frustrated by all of the men out there using #MeToo. #ThisIsNotAboutYouRightNow #WhyDon’tWeJustWatchAndListenAndLearnSomething
— Drew Ellis (@DrooEllis) October 17, 2017
Mostly a crime against women, but not exclusively. If you see a change in your brothers/sons, ask questions. Boys are molested, too. #metoo
— J.S. Mueller (@JSMueller_5150) October 16, 2017
A criticism of the movement is saying that it could put pressure on those who might not be ready to talk, and force them to reveal their trauma. Hope Harbor, which provides services for those affected by sexual assault or abuse in the Barren River Area, posted on facebook on the matter.
Elizabeth Madariaga, a staff counselor and sexual assault service coordinator at WKU’s Counseling and Testing Center, thinks the tag is a good way for people to express themselves safely.
“When you put the #MeToo, you don’t know the whole story behind what’s going on, and I think people feel safe being able to do it that way, and it also presents a sense of solidarity.” said Madariaga.
If you have been affected by sexual violence, reach out for help. WKU Police can be reached at 745-2548 and should be contacted in the instance of sexual assault or rape.
The WKU Counseling and Testing Center provides counseling and therapy to students for a one time fee of $20.
Hope Harbor is a local sexual trauma recovery center. Their 24-Hour crisis line can be reached at 1-800-656-4673 or (270) 846-1100.