This is awful.
Sexual assault is sadly very common, reporting it, is not.
From victim blaming, to being called a liar, to being threatened, there are so many tragic reasons women keep quiet.
Careless media, sexism described as ‘locker-room talk’ and lack of education means that every day, victims are seeing and hearing more reasons why they shouldn’t come forward after they have been assaulted.
Vox senior correspondent Elizabeth Plank tweeted an open question asking women why they didn’t report their assaults.
https://twitter.com/feministabulous/status/786659392020176897
The result has been tragic and eye-opening:
https://twitter.com/emmmabooks/status/787297336590528512
My abuser was a cop that pulled me over at 16 , he molested me & called it a search.
Who you goina' call? #WhyWomenDontReport
— 💙 Jillian Hurley (@JillianMHurley) October 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/heycindy_/status/786710176745291777
Because a Presidential nominee can talk about sexually harassing a woman and half the country dismisses it as "banter." #WhyWomenDontReport
— Mark Pygas (@MarkPygas) October 13, 2016
Becuase people have zero clue what it's like for your brain and body to freeze completely. What the shame feesl like. #WhyWomenDontReport
— Rachel Thompson, Author | Survivor | Biz Owner (@RachelintheOC) October 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/sannewman/status/786683987515285504
Celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Rose McGowan has also shared their stories.
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/786723116227649536
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/786723360550035460
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/786723576275664896
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/786723576275664896
It is hoped that the attention and response this hashtag received will help victims to realise that there are a lot of people all over the world who support them.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a charity which can help you if you’ve experienced rape, child sexual abuse and/or any kind of sexual violence and has details of your nearest Rape Crisis services.
