#metoo
You are not alone. Together we can de-stigmatize speaking out about our experiences with sexual harassment, assault, and more.
Me Too
I'm encouraged and deeply saddened by the trending, "me too" on social media. I'm encouraged because victims spoke out in an unusual setting but the point is, they spoke out. I cannot stress enough the importance of breaking the silence but it doesn't end with breaking the silence. I'm going to share a little part of my story that I hope helps you see why breaking the silence is so important but going beyond that as well is vital to ending the problem.
Taylor CarnesPublished 6 years ago in VivaWhen I Was Pinched in the Mission
Back in school, I had gone to get my dinner, and I was walking down the street at night sticking close to a group of people. Out of nowhere, some idiot pinched me in between the legs. I mean pinched. Right there. Pulled on me, and pinched. This is sexual harassment at its finest. I yelled at him, swinging my grocery bag at his chest three times. I then cornered somebody, a male somebody, yelling at the person to look out for somebody smaller than he was because some idiot had pinched me. I was surrounded but I escaped that situation rather quickly, and I was yelling at them really loud. I had beef, green beans, and cheese in my bag as my only weapon.
Iria Vasquez-PaezPublished 6 years ago in VivaHe's Mean To You?
I've heard it so many times in my life, and I'm sure that you've heard it too. Maybe not in these words, but you've definitely heard it. If he's mean to you, then he likes you... If he treats you like shit, then he MUST be into you. But where the fuck did this come from? When did we develop this notion that if a boy is mean to you, then he likes you. In my opinion, it starts really early on, when we're so small that we are indoctrinated into this bullshit way of thinking.
Shana NizeulPublished 6 years ago in VivaThat Day....
I was sitting on the hard gym floor next to my best friend waiting to learn and start our school's D.A.R.E program that day.
Krystal HowardPublished 6 years ago in VivaWe’re No Angels
Last I checked I have a penis. My name is Joel Eisenberg. I am a writer and television producer based in Los Angeles. I have no record of sexual harassment and, everything being fair, that status will remain unchanged. I was raised well by my parents, I’m happily married, and I respect women.
Joel EisenbergPublished 6 years ago in VivaBeing Silenced
It was my nineteenth birthday party, I was in college, and having the time of my life. I had a ton of friends there. We were dancing, singing, and drinking the night away. He was also there, the guy I’ve been talking to for about a week. I saw him staring at me the whole time. He had told me before that wasn’t really a dancer so I didn’t mind the staring. I mean, maybe I was trying to give him a show anyways. Dule* was tall, dark, and nothing I’ve ever had before. He was older, smarter, and I loved learning things from him; sometimes he even learned things from me. It was only a week of talking but it was long enough for us to get to know each other and have a bond. As much as we bonded, that didn't stop him that night. Neither did me being so drunk that I barely remember what happened that night.
Grace XtraPublished 6 years ago in VivaSexual Abuse
Statistics... Are they correct or are they just a guess based on some guy that has a degree in accounting and predictions? Who knows, right? Well in this case, from the photo above, it's facts, proven on things that have happened and that are continuing to happen. Sexual abuse is something that gets pushed under the rug often. We need to address it. Once it's addressed, go to the source and get that issue out in the open. There is nothing like public humiliation. Let's get into what it's like to be a victim.
Friday VibesPublished 6 years ago in VivaOpen Letter to My Abuser
You probably haven’t thought about me at all in the past five years, but I think about you constantly. And the more I think about you, the more time that passes, I begin to realize that you were the awful one and not me.
Mina LeAnnPublished 6 years ago in VivaAnd My Family Loved Him
My first serious relationship, but not first love, was actually my fourth. I was 16 years old in the 11th grade and he was in the year above. He was my friend before he was my boyfriend. We'd hang out and go for walks and just laugh. He'd pick me up in his car and my mom would be mystified that I was at the age now where my boyfriend could drive. I enjoyed the time I spent with him, our jokes and pranks, but I didn't love him. Something kept me from loving him. But he loved me and I liked that.
I'm a Rape Survivor. Here's Why the Silence Breakers Give Me Hope
Time magazine recently released its choice for the 2017 Person of the Year. This year, Time made the rare decision to not give the title to one individual, but multiple people—a group of people, mostly women, that are being referred to as “The Silence Breakers.” This is a title that Time has given out for the past ninety years, but it wasn’t until 1999, less than twenty years ago, that the title was changed from Man of the Year to Person of the Year.
Elizabeth BrandonPublished 6 years ago in VivaTea and Coffee
The following content is intended for mature audiences as it has heavy and vivid detail regarding sexual-assault experiences.
Alex FaulknerPublished 6 years ago in VivaMelanie Martinez vs. Timothy Heller: Who's Telling The Truth?
Melanie Martinez. An American singer, songwriter, music video director, and photographer. Born in Astoria, Queens and raised in Baldwin, New York on Long Island, who subsequently rose to prominence in 2012 after appearing on the American television vocal talent show The Voice.
Alvin EllisPublished 6 years ago in Viva