Every time a figure like Bill Cosby or Harvey Weinstein faces allegations of sexual misconduct, there’s a predictable backlash. Questions arise: Who can corroborate these victims’ stories? What were they wearing? Are they seeking financial gain?
You’ll always spot a male commenter suggesting, “He could be falsely accused. Shouldn’t we wait for more evidence?” Sure, waiting might seem reasonable. But let’s be real—survivors aren’t clamoring for immediate judgment; they just want to be heard and acknowledged. Instead, society often assumes the perpetrator is innocent while casting doubt on the victim’s credibility.
I’m fed up with this cycle.
Statistics show that a significant number of women—three out of five—experience unwanted sexual advances. If you’re reading this, chances are you fall into that category. So when the #MeToo movement exploded, I was not surprised to see my newsfeed filled with stories of assault, harassment, and violation.
It triggered emotions deep within me. It was upsetting, yes, but not shocking. For years, a patriarchal society has convinced women that they are alone, that they’re to blame, or that they are imagining things. The refrain “Not all women!” echoes in comment sections, but let’s be honest—it’s nearly all women. The problem is pervasive.
So, when women began sharing their stories on social media, I felt compelled to join them. Perhaps this time, we would finally be heard. I typed, my emotions spilling out: ME, TOO.
As I scrolled, I thought to myself, “Are we just adding our faces to a grim statistic? Or are we shouting into a void filled with those who won’t listen?” I clenched my fists in frustration. The mere existence of this list pains me. Each name triggers memories I wish I could forget.
“Is anyone paying attention? What’s going to change?” I wondered aloud while adding my own name. Me, too… as a child. Me, too… as a teen. Me, too. This is the reality we face.
And there’s my little girl, awake in her crib. I worry about the world we’re leaving for our children. Is it really necessary for us to parade our suffering and attach our names to it to gain any acknowledgment? Why does it take this kind of outcry for anyone to listen?
I can’t help but wonder if it’s already too late. But for those willing to listen: Me, too. Go ahead and add my name to that troubling statistic and take your discomfort and turn it into action.
With trembling fingers, I hit publish. Each time I voice my past victimization feels like slicing open an artery. Sharing my truth exposes me more than I ever wanted. No woman should have to utter “Me, too.” Yet today, millions are doing just that.
I felt a rush of fear that my story would be lost in the noise. If just one man in my feed started doubting me, I knew I would lose it. But then, like flickers of hope in the darkness, supportive responses began to emerge.
“I believe you,” one friend wrote. “I believe you,” echoed another family member.
This is the affirmation every survivor needs: “I believe you.” Every “Me, too” deserves to be met with that response.
One by one, brave women received the recognition they deserved. With each “I believe you,” I felt a spark of hope reignite within me. To change the heartbreaking statistics surrounding sexual violence against women, we need two things:
- First, we must raise our voices: Me, too.
- Second, we need to be heard: I believe you.
Maybe, just maybe, this movement marks the beginning of that much-needed change.
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Summary:
The #MeToo movement has spotlighted the struggles of sexual assault survivors, revealing a harsh reality where many women face disbelief and scrutiny. As women share their experiences, the importance of being heard and believed becomes crucial for change. By amplifying our voices and receiving validation, we can hope to shift the narrative around sexual violence.