Stop abuse against women with the #MeToo hashtag. Two simple words were rooted from allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Breaking the silence is an important part of stopping the cycle of abuse. This campaign bravely brings awareness to an issue that is often buried in shame yet haunts all too many.  A campaign like this gives voice to the importance of social media. This social movement will help people see that they are not alone, seek the help that is available, and show that we can work together to prevent sexual abuse of women, men, boys and girls.

It largely started when actress Alyssa Milano tweeted, “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.” Within hours of posting, women (and even some men) took action and posted their personal and inner most hidden stories on social media. True enough, it has shed light on the severity of harassment.  With the impact of this campaign, we can learn 3 lessons to stop abuse against women.

3 Lessons to Stop Abuse Against Women

You are not alone

Most sexual assault victims feel a sense of loneliness because of the trauma they’re experiencing. Many feel embarrassed with the experience or feel that they will be blamed. Thus, many cases go unreported and continue to happen. If this happens to you, it is important to know that you are not alone. While the commonality of sexual assault is appalling, it eases victim’s minds to know that there are others who are struggling and surviving every day. The hashtag #MeToo exposes people’s courage to fight abuse and let victims know that they can fight together.

Abuse is not normal

Unfortunately, some people are numb to abuse. What I mean is, they may accept that they are unworthy of good and loving people in their life. When thinking in this negative manner becomes habitual, acceptance may follow. Despite this discomforting normality, victims should remember that abuse is not normal. It should never be a regular thing and violation is something to speak up about.

You should speak up

As stated above, many victims are afraid to speak up because they feel ashamed of the consequences of sexual abuse. Other than that, they are afraid of being judged and by being accused of bringing it onto themselves. To the staying silent issue, a common script may include: “I did dress provocatively.” Or, “I was flirty.” These scripts are common but 100 percent false.  #MeToo is encouraging victims to speak up especially now that people are taking notice of how our society is all too silent about this absurdity. You must speak up and tell someone trustworthy about your experience. Stop hiding it within you. Talking about it with others will help you heal.

#MeToo

Short and brief. These two words resonate for so many sexual abuse victims. #MeToo gives hope to people that these violations will be condemned by our society.  It’s about time all of us speak up and fight sexual abuse together. Overall, the goal of #MeToo is to stop abuse against women, to break the silence, and to share stories of pain, but also of hope.

I believe in the resiliency of the human spirit. I believe that the trauma we experience will forever make us brave. I  believe this #MeToo campaign is coming out to increase the consciousness of our world. May all that have been affected receive all the love and support that is needed. And may we all be the change that is needed to end this abuse!

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