Although, the hashtag gained viral popularity by actress, Alyssa Milano, the campaign was originally created in 1997 by activist, Tarana Burke. The motivation behind this movement was to help survivors in under privileged communities—where rape crisis centers and counseling services were unavailable—heal from one another. The viral sensation of the #MeToo campaign and the continued number of survivors coming forward in the news shows the prevalence of this issue and demands that sexual assault and harassment against women no longer be ignored.
As a therapist, many of the women that I work with have experienced some form of sexual assault or harassment. It is not a faraway monster in Hollywood, but often existing in their very homes and families. Sexual abuse is in the fabric of their trauma narratives. It has impacted their entire lives. For survivors of sexual assault and trauma, their bravery is present in their sessions with me each week and their functioning each day.
I have had many clients respond differently to the #MeToo campaign and the continued allegations in the media. While a few of my clients feel empowered by survivors coming forward, many who are still working through their trauma are appreciative, but terrified. They are re-traumatized over and over again. They feel an imagery obligation to step forward and join the movement. This makes them feel exposed and vulnerable. One client shared her feelings about not stepping forward: I still feel like that scared and helpless little girl. I am paralyzed all over again and I can’t do anything about it.
Trauma stays with you. It lives in your body and in your mind—particularly sexual trauma, which can be stored within your most private and vulnerable areas. Understanding the complexity of trauma allows for us to also recognize the complexity of healing. Healing can be visible. For example, when you identify yourself as a survivor and post #MeToo. Healing can also be invisible to others, like when you evolve within yourself, finding resilience and strength where there once was suffering and fear.
To read more of Jamie Kreiter, LCSW, article, visit, http://www.socialjusticesoluti...ling-metoo-movement/
Comments (0)