A large majority of women are scared of walking alone at night, taking the bus or wearing what they want in fear of falling in an uncomfortable situation or experience sexual assault or even rape.
Concretely, according to a recent survey conducted between September 2020 and March 2024, 1 in 3 women in the EU have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or threats in their adulthood and 1 in 6 women in the EU have experienced sexual violence, including rape, in their adulthood. These data should trouble us.
One significant movement that changed the history of sexual assault and its perception and visibility from society was the #Metoo movement. First introduced in 2006 via social media from Tarana Burke, activist and sexual assault survivor it regained its popularity in October 2017 thanks to the power of social media.
More specifically, the actress Alyssa Milano decided to tweet on October 2017 : “If you have been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet” , in the context of the allegations of sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein, a film producer that’s how it started.
The movement’s first goal since 2006 has been promoting protection against sexual abuse, increasing the visibility of sexual assault and harassment in the world, especially in the workplace against women.
In the light of the still really high percentages of sexual violence and threats against women in societies and vulnerability to abuse, it is time to take example on Tarana Burke and Alyssa Milano and look for ways to take action and create a more inclusive environment.
(1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359178909001049
By Marianthi DIMOU
To go further on our month file dedicated to the rape culture, you can read our culture and international relations sections’ articles on our blog.
Follow MINERVIEWS
