For some it's an uncomfortable conversation, but one that has been brought into the spotlight. Sexual assault, and those who are now taking a stand against it through two simple words, "Me Too."
"As a community we are having those conversations, and we are having conversations that focus on holding offenders accountable, and saying sexual assault, sexual harassment will not be tolerated. That is not appropriate and that will not be tolerated in our communities," said Jessica Labenberg, Sexual Assault Center.
Jessica Labenberg is the Advocacy Director at the Sexual Assault Center in Nashville, and said the center works to de-stigmatize sexual assaults, which ultimately stops survivors from reporting the abuse.
The Me Too movement began in 2007 to let young women of color who survive sexual assault know that they are not alone. It went viral over the weekend after actress Alyssa Milano turned the phrase into a viral hashtag.
A moment can create a movement. This is our moment. This is our movement. #MeToohttps://t.co/pt6Rh6Lss4
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 16, 2017
I was just made aware of an earlier #MeToo movement, and the origin story is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring https://t.co/tABQBODscE
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 16, 2017
The tweet was in response to dozens of actresses coming forward about sexual abuse in Hollywood. The #MeToo movement brought attention to sexual abuse in all forms.
"This is not appropriate, we want to hold offenders accountable. We want individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence to know that this is not appropriate and you do not deserve to be treated that way," said Labenberg.
Two small words that have made a huge impact on social media, but the Sexual Assault Center hoped the conversation doesn't stop there.
"We listen, we say I believe you, I support you and I know that this is not your fault. When you're ready to talk more we can connect with the Sexual Assault Center," said Labenberg.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault or harassment call the crisis hotline at 1-800-879-1999.
