TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual Assault/Harassment
In recent wake of the Harvey Weinstein accusations, people on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have been sharing the hashtag or phrase “me too” to express that they have been sexually assaulted or harassed at one or more points in their lives.
I have asked the Simmons Community to share 10 word stories on how sexual assault or harassment has impacted them. These are their stories.
“I don’t walk home at night without calling my mom.” Emily, 19
“He thought he had a right to my body.” Anonymous, 18
“He threw the remote at me when I chose the channel.” Anonymous, 20
“Constantly checking behind me when I’m walking home alone.” Anonymous, 18
“We’re cousins. Auntie didn’t believe me. It lasted 10 years.” Anonymous, 20
“I said no, no, no, he didn’t care, I’m drowning.” Anonymous, 18
“I was 16, football player, stopped him by screaming.” Anonymous, 20
“I was fifteen. I was told it didn’t matter” Anonymous, 18
“For more than half my life, it’s been everywhere.” Anonymous, 21
“A stranger followed me saying he wanted to f**k me.” Anonymous, 18
“I was assaulted twice in my first year of college” Anonymous, 20
“I felt dehumanized, I don’t trust anyone now.” Anonymous, 18
“I was just carrying my groceries home when I was sexually harassed.” Anonymous, 20
“I have been cat called so many times, I don’t feel safe walking alone” Anonymous, 18
“I was 16 he was 20. We worked together.” Anonymous, 18
“I was nine. I just wanted to go swimming.” Anonymous, 21
“‘But what really is four years’ turns out, a lot.” Anonymous, 18
“It’s just peer pressure, guys can’t be sexually assaulted” Anonymous, 24
“A kid commented on me as I walked by.” Anonymous, 18
“I was ‘popular,’ the boys weren’t, they thought they couldn’t hurt me.” Anonymous, 19
“Attempted groping right in front of a unaware cop; also catcalling” Anonymous, 19
“It happened on the train. Many listened. No one helped.” Anonymous, 21
“It doesn’t just happen to women; it happened to me” Anonymous, 25
“We were 13, but the thought still strains my stomach.” Anonymous, 20
“Being called a c*nt and a slut for turning down advances” Anonymous, 18
“With every no he pulled off a piece of clothing.” Anonymous, 20
Thank you to those who shared their stories. We are stronger together. See the amount of people who posted “Me too” on your social media feeds. You are not alone. If you need to talk to someone, check out the following resources.
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National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE
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U.S. Department of Justice: National Sex Offender Public Website
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National Street Harassment Hotline call 855.897.5910 or chat online.
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the Network la Red: Hotline: 617.742.4911
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Hotline: 800.273.TALK (8255) and for the Spanish line call 888.628.9454 or TTY: 800.799.4TTY (4889)
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National Domestic Violence Hotline:Hotline: 800.799.SAFE