The hashtag #METOO has been trending on Facebook and Twitter over the last few days.
The idea was brought to the mainstream by Alyssa Milano following the sexual assault and harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein, encouraging women to say “Me too” if they’ve ever been sexually assaulted or harassed.
It makes sense that the former Charmed star would initiate the hashtag considering she worked alongside Rose McGowan, her former co-star in the show, for several years. McGowan is one of Weinstein’s accusers.
“If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote ‘Me too’ as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem,” wrote Milano.
“t’s not okay if he’s a friend, family member, or complete stranger. It’s not okay if he’s a man of power or wealth. It’s never okay #MeToo,” wrote one user on Twitter.
“#MeToo because even when you report it, nothing is done and you still have the see your attacker every day at college,” another one wrote.
“To all survivors: It wasn’t your fault. You dont have to share. Take your time. It will NEVER define you. You’re beautiful & loved. #metoo,” shared another woman.
Many women have expressed shame over writing that status despite the fact that speaking up is the best way to raise attention to the problem, and it gives men an idea of what their fellow men have done over the years.
Speak up.
