Opinion; The discussion behind #MeToo should be accompanied by action

Following allegations of sexual assault and harassment perpetrated by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, many women in Hollywood shared their stories of the horrific things that happened to them in Weinstein’s hands.

Women and men around the world joined these women by sharing their own stories of sexual assault and harassment by using the hashtag #MeToo on social media platforms.  The trend started when actress Alyssa Milano posted a tweet suggesting people use the hashtag to share their story of sexual abuse or support for victims.  The hashtag went viral with over 1.2 million tweets and millions of similar posts on Facebook, according to CNN.

I have never personally been sexually assaulted, but I know people who have – too many.  Just because it has not happened to me or to you yet does not mean that it will not someday.

Rape does not just happen to Hollywood celebrities.  It can happen to anyone – men and women, children and adults, young and old, to people in church or in a nightclub.  Clinical psychologist Sarah Lowe told CNN that studies find one in four women and one in 10 men are sexually assaulted in their lifetimes but that sexual assault is often underreported, so these numbers are likely higher.

For some sexual assault survivors, posting about their stories and seeing the pervasive #MeToo posts can be empowering, as they see they are not alone and that people everywhere are speaking out to support them.  But other survivors may feel isolated because they do not feel ready to tell their story, and the constant posts can trigger painful memories of their own assault that they wish to forget.

Whether for better or worse, sexual assault is now at the forefront of national discussion because of #MeToo, and people should accompany the movement with action instead of merely words.  Knowing that something is an issue will not stop the issue.  Spreading awareness can only go so far, but taking action to try and ensure that another similar movement does not have to happen again goes further.

The church should be at the forefront of the action, and should be where a sexual assault survivor turns for healing and comfort after one of the darkest times in their life.  This is not to say that churches are not doing it, but I believe they can do more and do better.

What if churches were as concerned about helping sexual assault victims as they were about ending abortion?  What if the church could truly be a light for women during a dark time?  As Liberty University English professor Karen Swallow Prior asked in Christianity Today, “What if the church were the first place an abuse victim knew to go for help and healing?”

For some victims, the church is not the first place they think to go because of previous, painful experiences and possible abuse from someone inside the church.  Churches can do better though, and become the place where survivors turn.

Prior suggests in Christianity Today that offering counseling and Bible studies for abuse victims, “respecting and affirming women and men in such a way that they know will be believed if they choose to confide their experiences,” and preaching on healthy biblical views of sex and sexuality are ways churches can effectively reach abuse victims.

If the church and the rest of the world heeded the pain and outcry behind #MeToo and took action, then hopefully there will be no need for a future movement where survivors feel compelled to share their stories and face constant reminders of their abuse whenever they log into social media.  Unfortunately we live in a fallen, sinful world, so no amount of action will completely end sexual assault, but action can lead to fewer victims, reduce the stigma around it and bring healing to survivors.