Using the hashtag #MeToo, women have been posting messages on social media to tell their stories and show how commonplace sexual assault and harassment are.
The hashtag has become trending with a frightening number of women sharing their experiences as victims of sexual assault.
Since The New York Times published an investigative report on Oct. 5 unveiling decades of sexual harassment allegations against the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, social media has provided a galvanizing platform for women to discuss their experiences.
The #MeToo story began on Sunday, when the actress Alyssa Milano posted a screenshot outlining the idea and writing “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.”
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
Tens of thousands of people replied to the message. Some just wrote “me too,” while many others described their personal experiences of harassment or assault.
We wouldn't be telling men to protect women if we taught them to respect them in the first place #MeToo
— M (@MorrisTruth) October 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/MimaKatt_/status/920171108384391168
I still see him all the time. I used to pretend like it didn't happen. But I'm finally learning to cope with it. #MeToo
— Abigail (@A_McKendree) October 17, 2017
Today Twitter and Facebook were places of solace and comfort, where the support far outnumbered the trolls. You did that. Thank you. #MeToo
— Kaz Weida (@kazweida) October 17, 2017
#MeToo I’ve been a victim of domestic violence for 21 years. Tied in because I have kids and I don’t know how to break free
— Jasmin (@Jasmine_DC_2018) October 17, 2017
I hope for my 5 almost 6 year old granddaughter’s sake, we soon have a WORLD where no one ever has to write the words #MeToo ever again.
— Coop (@ldcooperg1) October 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/callie_tolbert/status/920169915792986113
It doesn’t has to be rape, but I can’t recount the number of incidents of harassment that I’ve faced since childhood. It’s horrible.
— Radhika Mundra (@radhikamundra99) October 17, 2017
In all honesty, probably every woman i know has a #metoo story. Including myself. Just hope something comes from all this.
— erin (@2ToesUp) October 17, 2017
I was six when the abuse started, nine when it ended. At 29, I'm still afraid of any sort of physical contact. #MeToo
— Kate (@fantastikait) October 17, 2017
#metoo because it never truly leaves you. because they take a piece of you with them. because i'm still not okay.
— julia (@JK_Kender) October 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/oliviarenfro/status/920112861954891777
Pretty sure I don't know a single women WITHOUT a #MeToo story.
I have my own.Don't expect all victims to share. That is their choice.
— Lady_Surgeon (@Lady_Surgeon) October 17, 2017
Seeing all these #MeToo tweets and posts make me so sad. I am shocked at the number of people I know affected by this.
— cait (@Caitlin_Dutra) October 17, 2017
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