#metoo Issues Flashcards
What is the #MeToo movement?
A modern movement to expose sexual abuse and harassment that began on social media in 2006.
Definition of sexual abuse
Sexual activity without consent, including underage and non-consensual sex.
Primary focus of the movement
Prominent or high-status people coming forward with their stories of being victims, many in the entertainment industry.
Examples of victims
Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lawrence, Uma Thurman, and others.
Positive impact of the movement
Increased public discussion of sexual abuse, making it easier for victims to come forward.
Exposure of sex abuse scandals
The movement has aided in exposing massive sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church and sports organizations.
Negative impact of the movement
The movement may have led to people being ‘convicted’ in the court of public opinion, without due process.
Sexual abuse can happen to anyone
Anyone can be a victim of sexual abuse, and anyone can be a perpetrator of sexual abuse.
Reasons to seek help
Seeking help can provide support, guidance, and healing for the trauma of sexual abuse.
Common effects of sexual abuse
Common effects of sexual abuse include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness
Seeking help for sexual abuse is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and courage to seek healing and support.
Resources for seeking help
There are many resources available for those seeking help for sexual abuse, including therapy, support groups, and hotlines.
Sexual abuse is a persistent problem
Despite increased awareness and knowledge, sexual abuse remains a persistent problem.
The vicious cycle
The shame problem, evidence problem, and systemic problem create a cycle of underreporting, underprosecution, underconviction, and increased incidence of sexual abuse.
The shame problem
Victims of sexual abuse often feel ashamed and may blame themselves, leading to a reluctance to come forward and report the abuse.
The evidence problem
Sexual abuse often happens in private and may lack physical evidence, making it difficult to achieve justice while still protecting the rights of the accused.
Importance of protecting the rights of the accused
Protecting the rights of the accused is important to prevent abuse of power and false accusations, and to ensure a fair and just justice system.
The systemic problem
Institutions like the criminal justice system, universities, and religious organizations may have biases that make it harder for victims of sexual abuse to get justice.
Traditional biases
Biases such as the belief that a husband cannot rape his wife can hinder progress in addressing sexual abuse.
