Within the last week, the hashtag #MeToo has gained popularity; though, it was originally created 10 years ago by Tarana Burke, the program director for Girls for Gender Equality. Burke spoke about how one of the young girls in her program tried to talk to her about how she was being sexually abused by her stepdad, but Burke became overwhelmed and tried to direct her to someone who could help her better: "I watched her walk away from me as she tried to recapture her secrets and tuck them back into their hiding place. I watched her put her mask back on and go back into the world like she was all alone and I couldn't even bring myself to whisper ... me too." (CNN)
This little girl was so brave for even speaking to someone in the first place. Many times, people who have been sexually harassed or assaulted are not even able to talk about their experiences. The beautiful thing about the #MeToo movement is even if you are not able to discuss your story, you are still able to see the community of people who have experienced similar things and know you are not alone.
You may never be able to share your story. And that’s okay. There are other ways to fight against sexual assault. The first things everyone should do are believe sexual assault survivors stories, support them, and don’t victim shame them. Sexual Assault is never the victim's fault. According To RAIIN, “Every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. And every 8 minutes, that victim is a child. Meanwhile, only 6 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison.”
They also state that 45% of perpetrators are an acquaintance of the victim and 25% of them are current or former spouses or boyfriends/girlfriends. These statistics show how devastating this crime is and how rarely justice is enforced.
If you were a part of this movement or were affected by it, I want to encourage you to take the next steps in fighting sexual assault– donating and/or volunteering. You can look up local centers on RAIIN’s website. For example, some centers in Michigan are: YWCA West Central Michigan or Women At Risk, Int’l in Grand Rapids, YWCA Domestic Assault/Sexual Assault Services in Flint, and The Listening Ear in Lansing. If you do not have the time or money – though I would really encourage you to make that sacrifice – the very least you can do is speak out for those that cannot speak for themselves. Do not tolerate rape culture, victim shaming, or sexual harassment. Challenge and change the culture that allows these injustices to happen. Your actions could prevent another “me too”.
