Millions of women from across the world have come forward to identify themselves as victims of sexual harassment using the hashtag #MeToo, following a call to action propelled by Hollywood actress Alyssa Milano in the wake of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein’s downfall over allegations of rape and molestation.
Milano passed along a suggestion from a friend on Sunday that women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted post “Me Too” to indicate people that they have gone through the same ordeal.
The campaign took social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to storm, with celebrities and everyday people sharing their ordeal of being groped, verbally abused, molested and raped by bosses, teachers and even family members.
Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Monica Lewinsky and Rosario Dawson identified themselves as victims of sexual harassment.
"Being raped once made it easier to be raped again. I instinctually shut down. My body remembered, so it protected me. I disappeared.
#metoo," actress Evan Rachel Wood wrote as part of a series of tweets on her experience.
"Sharing my stories and feeling less alone really helps. So thank you for listening."
The massive response to the campaign shows how common it has become for women to face sexual harassment, be it at home, streets or workplace. The campaign has also indicated towards the fact that no woman is vulnerable.
