The Age of #MeToo

We see it almost every day on social media, the news, movies and television shows. It’s emerging from the shadows after being covered up for so long. Sexual assault is finally being discussed in ways it hasn’t been before. What used to be a taboo topic has now become an inspirational movement across the United States.

More and more people — both men and women — are speaking out about their experiences with sexual assault and harassment, and this is helping form the foundation of a movement promoted by the hashtag #MeToo. This is not just a national phenomenon, individuals all around the world are participating in the #MeToo movement, triggering a domino effect of similar stories being shared and heard. The visibility of these stories raises awareness for prevention, the tell-tale signs and the intense, life-long effects it has on victims.

To incorporate recent news, Brett Kavanaugh was just confirmed as Supreme Court Justice after being accused of sexually assaulting Christine Blasey Ford while the two were in high school. As the FBI investigated Ford’s claim, many politicians and news programs discussed the amount of time it has been since the assault and how alcohol may have played a role.

Here’s the thing that everyone needs to understand: just because something happened three or even thirty years ago, does not make the incident any less relevant. Broadcaster Connie Chung recently broke her silence on her own assault experience, one that occurred 50 years ago, and the pain and shame still exists for her today. Whether it happened days or years ago, it still happened. If alcohol was involved, it still happened. Drunk consent is not consent.

Every day, someone new comes forward to their family, friends, and even on social media with the stories they’ve kept in for so long. This article is for those who have been affected by sexual assault in one way or another: either as a victim, a family member of a victim or a friend of a victim. We’re here, we’re with you, and you are not alone.

The #MeToo movement and the stories of countless brave individuals are helping others come forward with stories of their own, creating a community willing to stand up for each other and revolt against any form of sexual harassment.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual harassment or assault you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673