#metoo
You are not alone. Together we can de-stigmatize speaking out about our experiences with sexual harassment, assault, and more.
Hollywood Sexual Assault: Focusing On The Predators Instead Of The Prey
Since the news broke of Harvey Weinstein's atrocities against women, the door has been opened for his victims to share their personal stories of trauma that came at the hands of a man who was supposed to be helping them and their careers. The sexual harassment allegations go back decades, and most likely, more women will come forward before Weinstein is no longer front page news. Though he was terminated from the company he co-founded and kicked from both the Academy and the PGA, it's a small consolation for those who have spent years trying to heal from the damage he inflicted.
By Rachel Carrington8 years ago in Viva
My Story of Silence
For a very long time, I've been afraid to put my face to my story. I tell others from behind the screen what terror I went through, but to reveal myself and make it public... It was unthinkable, not until other very brave and strong women spoke up. Their battle cries are still heard ringing in my ears, and I can't help but to think where I'd be without the love and support of those around me.
By Angel Peugh8 years ago in Viva
Dealing with Being Raped and Molested
Some people find themselves asking what exactly is rape and molestation? Aren't they the same thing? Well, from someone who personally experienced both, I can personally say, no, they are not. They may have some similarities, but they are two totally different things. Rape is another term for sexual assault and is usually done by a man to a woman, but some women rape men, too. Statics show that one in five women and one in seventy-one men are raped at least once in their lives. Molestation is also sexual assault, but it can also be abuse of a person towards women and most of all children. Statistics show that every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. And every eight minutes, that victim is a child. I am a rape and molestation survivor and this is my story.
By Loie Swanger8 years ago in Viva
The Question "Why Now?" Is Code for Victim-Blaming
I hate commenting on news articles posted by news outlets on Facebook. The comment section is such a perilous and dark place that it depresses me most of the time. However, with the Weinstein-Spacey-Moore et al scandal breaking out and dominating my Facebook feed, I find myself not only being saddened by some of the reactions but disappointed about one question that keeps popping up, a question that is not innocent but rather accusatory in nature: why now?
By Chris Abrigana8 years ago in Viva
Sexually Harassed
It wasn't my fault. I don’t care what the lawyers say. Sometimes things happen that are not our fault. I was standing there waiting for the bus like I do everyday. It was cold that day, the first day of spring break. I had on a sweater, some jeans and boots that all the girls wear, not misleading or provocative in any way. I’d just missed the bus and it wasn't coming again for half an hour.
By Kerry Mack8 years ago in Viva
I'm Angry
Anger cannot be silenced. Even if the words aren't spoken, anger will bubble up and excrete its toxic ooze of existence in our actions, our demeanor, our very being. With the onslaught of sexual assault and harassment accusations coming to light throughout our entertainment and political spectrum, it's both an enlightening and a burden on sexual assault survivors/victims. I am a victim, I don't know if I can ever be a survivor.
By Betsy Calden8 years ago in Viva
Oh, My... George Takei, 'Star Trek' Star, Latest Hit With Sexual Assault Allegations
My heart hurt a little when I saw the item on Google Trends this morning. There, sitting at #14 on Google Trends, were three terms I had hoped I wouldn't see: "George Takei, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, groping."
By Christina St-Jean8 years ago in Viva
Scream
She brings her hand to her mouth to muffle her scream. She hears his footsteps pierce the silence of the warm summer night. She hears him pause to slip his shoes off half way down the hall. She hears his sock covered feet shuffle along the wood floor, knowing when he passes her brother’s door, then her sister’s door. Her brother and sister are never bothered because they are his. She is not. She belongs to her mother. She belongs to another man, a man who had left long ago and never returned. She had never cared. She knew he was never coming back.
By Elisa Brooks8 years ago in Viva
