The trending “Me Too” social media campaign continues to shine a spotlight on victims of sexual harassment. Teri Walker McLaughlin is Executive Director of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA) and says victims need a voice and adds that “when we think of this as power-based violence, we know that those that are in the most power, are the greatest likelihood to abuse that power, those that feel the most disempowered, marginalized communities, are those that are affected most often.” But, McLaughlin says the “Me Too” campaign is helping foster a “safety in numbers” environment for those who have been afraid to speak out and when victims know that they are supported by others, it can reduce that power over them. And she says “we as bystanders have to stand by and say ‘yes we are aware, and yes we won’t tolerate it anymore’.”
The “Me Too” campaign began in the wake of recent allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Here’s MNN’s Scott Peterson’s chat with McLaughlin about “Me Too”.