When #MeToo Isn't Enough, Colleagues and Communities Need To Step Up | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

When #MeToo Isn't Enough, Colleagues and Communities Need To Step Up

More can be done to strengthen this movement.

179
When #MeToo Isn't Enough, Colleagues and Communities Need To Step Up
Pixabay

Trigger Warning: This article contains the topic of sexual assault.

The #MeToo movement has sparked controversy while bringing together a community of women who have experienced some kind of sexual misconduct, assault, or harassment. Although unfortunate, this community of women has spoken out and said enough is enough in the most simple, yet attention-getting way possible: sharing the words "me too" on social media.

The movement brings attention to the disgusting number of women who have had to endure something so horrifying that they should never have had to go through, myself included. Although I understand the origins of the movement, more needs to be done on college campuses and within law enforcement to stop these acts from occurring.

Something needs to be changed in the way law enforcement and college campuses deal with these traumatic cases. There have been strides in the right direction, which include victim advocacy programs, green dot certifications, and other resources that are given to victims, but it is not good enough. Otherwise, more women would choose to come forward.

In my personal experience, speaking about the incident was the hardest decision I had to make. My college campus had a tremendous amount of resources and provided me with the best options possible. However, it was still a nerve-wracking and terrifying experience that, frankly, should not need to happen at all.

That being said, what else can be done so women will not have to endure such traumatic experiences? College campuses and workplaces should have seminars at the beginning of every semester, hiring season, or as needed. I had the pleasure of attending a panel, called Embrace Your Voice, which was held at Florida State University this week.

The main focus of the panel was to get faculty, staff, and students to be more aware of sexual assault, its onset, its prevention, and its aftermath. The idea that education can be an all-powerful force with which we can combat sexual assault, is the key. The panelists discussed the importance of mandatory programming on the topic, which touches on spotting uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations and giving all people the tools to assess the situation and intervene. Think of how many victims could be saved from such trauma if all college campuses had mandatory programming such as this.

Additionally, the panelists discussed the importance of having open classrooms where professors are equipped to direct students to proper campus resources, but most of all, are approachable for their students and create a safe non-judgemental environment. Listening and learning are the tools which will make these essential conversations possible.

Also, the impact that sexual assault has on the college campus and greater community were addressed. This method of approaching sexual assault awareness encompasses the idea that everyone is responsible for protecting each other and preventing such terrible crimes. With that comes the #MeToo Movement. By engaging a community in a dialogue that spreads awareness, these women, who have been brave enough to share their words, have influenced the larger community and shed light on a national problem.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Illistrated image of colorful balloons and fireworks
StableDiffusion

With each new year comes new goals.

Deciding on a goal can be hard, unsure of what to change for this new year. A new goal for myself is to be happier and take care of myself more. I am a very driven person; so driven that I commit to a million and ten things.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Pros And Cons Of Having A Birthday Near The Holidays

The truth of what it is like having a birthday around the holiday season.

3167
Christmas decoration
Flickr

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! But for some people, including myself and my Dad, it can have its ups and downs when it comes to having a birthday near and around the holiday season. I personally share a birthday with my Dad two days before Christmas. Yes, Christmas Eve Eve is our birthday. Here are a few pros and cons for having a birthday near the holidays.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas Tree Lights
Pixabay

It is that time of year again. Christmastime. It is one of my favorite seasons for a myriad of reasons. Here are just a few reasons why I love Christmas. This list is in no order of importance.

1. The Christmas decorations

I am that person who will decorate directly after Thanksgiving is over. This year, my roommates and I put the tree up in our apartment before we even left for Thanksgiving break. It is a great stress reliever for me to just sit in my living room and work on the huge amount of work I have before the semester is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl with santa hat
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

'Tis the season to be jolly folks, and if you're anything like me, then at the stroke of midnight on Halloween your home went from wicked to winter

Keep Reading...Show less
mistake
Project Eve

Mistakes are something we all make, no matter how old we get. Most of the time, the mistakes we made are little and sometimes due to something out of our control. Yet, there are mistakes that are bigger than others. Personally, I have mistakes that I wish I could go back and undo. Here they are:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments