Alyssa Milano fueled online discussions on the issue of sexual abuse when she started the #MeToo campaign in the wake of Harvey Weinstein scandal. The actress and activist initiated the movement to encourage victims of sexual assault and/or harassment to share their stories and to shed light on the matter of sexual violence.
Since it kicked off on Sunday, the online rally has drawn millions of posts, comments, and shares from the online community. In fact, the campaign is considered a good first step for victims to speak out and fight for their rights.
#MeToo - With over a million uses in 2 days, here's how the hashtag spread across the world (Track the hashtag 👉 https://t.co/n2LjeLbJ46) pic.twitter.com/5w4xVTh5nW
— Talkwalker (@Talkwalker) October 17, 2017
The internet campaigns against sexual assault, harassment
In an op-ed for TIME magazine, Alyssa Milano explained that her inspiration for starting the campaign was her desire to focus on the victims instead of paying much attention to the 'doers' of these horrible acts. She added that the online rally aimed at providing a venue for victims where they can share their honest thoughts without being forced to recall the traumatic experience in detail.
Like most victims of sexual violence, the "Charmed" star admitted that she is still not ready to recount into specifics the trauma she had to go through after her experiences of sexual assault.
"If someone asked me to list every single time, I would have to sit down and take inventory of my entire life," she added.
After she saw the success of the online campaign she initiated, Alyssa Milano did not forget to give the credit back to its original author, Tarana Burke, a female activist who created the catchphrase to remind sexual assault victims that they were not alone.
Men show support for women through #HowIWillChange movement
As a response to the online campaign, men are now using #HowIWillChange to show their support for women and to campaign against sexual abuse. According to the Huffington Post, the hashtag was first used by Benjamin Law, an Australian journalist, and screenwriter, in an effort to encourage men to commit to empowering and protecting women from all forms of abuse.
Guys, it's our turn.
— Benjamin Law 🌈 (@mrbenjaminlaw) October 16, 2017
After yesterday's endless #MeToo stories of women being abused, assaulted and harassed, today we say #HowIWillChange.
Mark Ruffalo joined the online movement and promised not to catcall women again, while Andrew Webster vowed to listen and understand women.
I will never Cat call a woman again. Growing up we were taught from watching movies that a cat call was a compliment. I would do it to friends and girlfriends. Sunrise clued me in that it was totally inappropriate. Not cool. Not a compliment. Gross. #HowIWillChange
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 19, 2017
#HowIWillChange: I will listen to women more closely, seeking to understand before seeking to be understood. Then, if it helps, I will act. https://t.co/LF4cjbJHwe
— Andrew Webster (@web_stirs) October 16, 2017
Alyssa Milano also promoted the new trend and asked men how they can help women to combat the cultural epidemic of sexual abuse.
Women. You are not alone. I will fight this with you. I will raise my sons the right way. We hear you. It's time for change! #HowIWillChange
— Christastic (@KneelB4Chris) October 17, 2017
These online campaigns are just a few efforts initiated by celebrities, activists, and even normal people after Harvey Weinstein was exposed to multiple allegations of sexual assault from nearly three decades ago.
