The “Me Too” movement focuses on the victims of sexual violence. The response of individuals towards this movement was large, as sexual assault and sexual harassment impacts individuals every day. According to research, it was found that 4% of men and 30% of women in the medical faculty experience sexual harassment. Other studies have reported that 60% of medical staff experienced sexual harassment during their trainings. The “Me Too” movement proponents hope to show how common sexual harassment is, by sharing the experiences of sexual violence survivors. The support for victims will rise, and tolerance for sexual harassment will decrease if people are more aware of sexual harassment.

What is the Me Too Movement?

The Me Too Movement, originally founded in 2006, was organized primarily through social media and the primary aim was to effect social change. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment includes a request for sexual favours, unwelcome sexual advances, and other physical and verbal conduct of a sexual nature. The Me Too Movement is generally an attempt to let the people understand the prevalence of assault and sexual harassment in society.

Examples of sexual assault:

• The criminal sexually penetrating the victim, referred to as rape.
• A professor threatens a student by his grades, if a student does not engage in certain sexual behaviours.
• Without any explicit consent, someone touching another person sexually.
• An employee touching another person inappropriately.

All instances of sexual assault are also instances of sexual harassment, as sexual assault is a form of sexual harassment. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, sexual assault is a type of sexual contact without the permission of the victim. This could include unwanted sexual touching, rape or attempted rape, or forcing another person to do sexual acts against their will. In sexual assault, a victim is manipulated into unwanted sexual behaviour.

Effects of “Me Too” movements on sexual abuse victims

One of the biggest worldwide effects of this movement was demonstrating how widespread sexual assault and harassment really is. As more and more survivors spoke out, many victims learned they were not alone. 2 years after the movement began, the impacts of the movement on the courts and statehouses in America was undeniable.

Researchers have disclosed several recommendations to reduce harassment in workplaces through preventative training. The traditional sexual harassment training has little effects because it concentrates on what leads to harassment. Instead, researches recommend to educate employees on character and sexism. Through their studies, they have found that high levels of sexism leads to negative behaviours which can be controlled by training.

Victims need to be protected and respected from backlash when they move a step forward. Employers should take the responsibility of supporting the victims through all legal methods and dismissing the perpetrator.