#MeToo trend highlights scale of sexual assault

SEXUAL assault has once again been thrust into the spotlight as the #MeToo has been trending on social media.

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Twitter has been flooded with the hashtag after Hollywood actress Alyssa Milano took to the platform on Sunday to urge women who have been harassed or sexually assaulted to come forward and speak out.

If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017

Tens of thousands of women, including fellow celebrities Anna Paquin, Gabrielle Union, Debra Messing and Laura Dreyfuss, have spoken up after the initial tweet.

ALSO READ: Man arrested for rape and murder

While some women chose to only participate by posting the words ‘me too’, other brave women revealed more about their experiences.

Many others also took the opportunity to condemn harassment and sexual assault.

Reminder. I got raped at work at a Payless shoe store. I had on a long tunic & leggings so miss me w/ "dress modestly" shit.

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 15, 2017

#MeToo

And I was blamed for it.
I was told not to talk about it.
I was told that it wasn't that bad.
I was told to get over it.

— Najwa Zebian (@najwazebian) October 16, 2017

#MeToo
I was so young I have no memory of it, and once my earliest memories begin, it was of sexual harassment… https://t.co/iefUwTESkR

— ezabangoma (@ezabangoma) October 16, 2017

https://twitter.com/Meraki_Girl/status/919847434171375616

https://twitter.com/zzzblei/status/919813338661556224

https://twitter.com/notjustblondee/status/919899333910319104

However, not only women spoke out about their abuse. A number of men also broke their silence, speaking out about their experiences.

https://twitter.com/Lucamas221/status/919888323342192642

Happy to see men sharing #MeToo stories. Acknowledging that sexual abuse is not a women’s problem, but everyone’s problem, is important.

— Khushi🌹 (@khushii_p) October 16, 2017

There were also men who tweeted in support of victims.

https://twitter.com/JacksInkyArm/status/919756286086057984

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