Take Action
HELP SUPPORT THE
#METOO MOVEMENT TODAY
THE AFTERMATH:
As a result of the Me Too Movement, Americans have changed their perspectives on gender and power. The public has become more aware about how widespread the issue of sexual harassment is all across the country. Survivors got a chance to be heard and share their story, and also were provided with a new community to help and support them.
The movement also helped women shed stigma, self-blame, and trauma, and empowered them to speak out. This has moved the needle on gender justice significantly.
Some positive impacts in the movement include the progress that has been made to help restore justice and pass protective laws. For example, some victims are able to obtain restorative justice through the form of financial restitution. Michigan State University created a $500 million dollar settlement fund to pay survivors. Although money can not change the irreversible damage that assault brings, it is a start to help survivors obtain the help and resources they need to recover. Also, some states have introduced more protections for workers. Federal sexual harassment law and most state laws have only applied to employees and therefore do not protect independent contractors (actors, makeup artists, Uber drivers). However, as a result of the movement, places like New York and California have expanded their sexual harassment laws to protect more workers in varying situations of employment.
Many organizations and foundations have been started as a result of the Me Too movement to help educate others and provide help for survivors. You can find some of these organizations in our "Help the Cause/Donate" column.
As with any movement, some negative aspects have resulted as well. Since the movement is mostly female-centered, some male victims of sexual assault feel left out of the conversation or unheard. Also, in some cases, there may be people who make false accusations, which harms the life of the accused. Studies have shown that some men are also more reluctant to have one-on-one meetings, more likely to exclude women, and less likely to hire women after the movement.
However, the movement has undoubtedly created great social change. Many survivors have been empowered and given a chance to tell their story. Many high-profile sex offenders have been put in jail and more awareness has been raised about the issue.
.jpg)
NEXT STEPS:
In recovering from sexual assault, a process called restorative justice is an alternative to incarceration, which is used to address the needs of victims; empowering them and giving them a voice. Very minimal sexual assault cases get as far as court leaving a survivor at an increased risk of PTSD, substance abuse, anxiety, etc. This is why acknowledgment of an individual who has endured any type of sexual assault is crucial in mitigating the emotional wounds inflicted during the unwanted sexual advance. Additionally, people addressing a person victimized through sexual violence should circumvent labeling the individual as a victim/perpetrator as these classifications disaffirm their ability to heal and grow.
Another important step moving forward for victims in a corporate workplace is compensation for damages. Sexual harassment of any form not only belittles an individual's dignity and mental well-being but oftentimes results in a financial predicament. In several instances, victims of sexual assault may have been paid fewer than their colleagues, worked fewer hours, depleted the opportunity for a raise/bonus, or even terminated. These employees should be made aware that they are entitled to receive back pay inclusive of wages, bonuses, tips, health insurance benefits, vacations, or front pay; the compensation for the loss of prospective wages.
VIDEOS
Me Too Mission Statement
How Me Too is Changing the World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATYK2svJ6eM
Survivors Share their Stories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfGpHfFgJIM
HELP THE CAUSE / DONATE:
Anyone can help the movement! You can donate to the following organizations to help support women all around the world:
​
This organization was started by women in Hollywood to fight harassment. This organization helps survivors of sexual misconduct, especially in low wage industries, and assists them in obtaining legal representation. The fund has raised over $24 million and connected 3,677 people with attorneys since launching in January 2018.
​
​
The DC Rape Crisis Center works to end sexual violence by offering resources, help, and support for survivors. They help facilitate systemic change by equipping diverse stakeholder to respond to survivors of sexual assault with compassion and respect. They also provide online courses, tools, and referrals.