Before the hashtags, media publicity, and going viral, the #MeToo Movement was created to help survivors of sexual violence, particularly young women of color from low wealth communities, find pathways to healing.

Founded in 2006 by African American civil rights activist Tarana Burke, #MeToo used the idea of “empowerment through empathy,” to ensure survivors know they’re not alone in their journey.

In 2017 #MeToo went viral when renowned actress and activist, Alyssa Milano, revealed to media outlets that she as well as other women in the industry, have been victims of sexual assault.

She tweeted:

If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017

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Milano’s tweet was posted shortly after the accusations of sexual assault were made against famed Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The hashtag quickly racked up responses and became widely used on Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and other platforms.

The tweet went viral and what started as “just a hashtag” quickly became a catalyst which gained media coverage and created a movement with immense magnitude. Within days, numerous famed actors, musicians, models, and people from all over the world began to share their stories of sexual harassment and abuse within the industry.

Contrary to belief, Milano does not and will not take credit for the viral #MeToo movement. When she made an appearance on Good Morning America, she stated “What the #MeToo campaign really does, and what Tarana Burke has really enabled us to do, is put the focus back on the victims. I think it is selfish for me to try to frame #MeToo as something that I own. It is bigger than me and bigger than Alyssa Milano. Neither one of us should be centered in this work. This is about survivors.”

Milano’s tweet helped garner national media coverage; taking what was once a primarily African-American women’s movement and transformed it into something global. There is a stigma in the African-American community: topics such as mental health and sexual abuse are often swept under the rug and not discussed for fear of blame, judgment, and gender biased is often the reason. Not to mention the personal shame and guilt often felt by the victim when sexually assaulted.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, and Lady Gaga are just a few of the celebrities who found the courage to speak up and reveal they’re horrible experiences with sexual assault in the industry when they began their careers.

The movement has made such an impact that actors Terry Crews and Barry Crimmins revealed their experience with being male and dealing with sexual assault in the industry as well. Many felt Milano’s tweet only targeted the female audience, so it was important for males to share their voice. The stigma behind men dealing with such a thing is often seen as “taboo” or not taken as seriously versus if they were women.

In 2017, Crews shocked the media and fans when he made sexual assault allegations against famed agent Adam Venit, head of the motion picture department at William Morris Endeavor (WME). Crews claimed the assault happened at a Hollywood party in February 2016. He said “I’m looking at him, and he’s basically staring at me. And he’s sticking his tongue out, and it’s overtly sexual kind of tongue moves. I’m sitting there like, it’s a party, it’s packed, the whole thing, and I’m looking like, is this a joke? I don’t understand, it was actually so bizarre, and he keeps coming over to me and I stick my hand out, and he literally takes his hand, and puts it, and squeezes my genitals. I jumped back, like ‘Hey! Hey!’ and he’s still licking his tongue out, and all this stuff and I go, ‘Dude, what are you doing? What are you doing?’ Then he comes back again, and he just won’t stop. Then I really got forceful, pushed him back. He bumps into all the other party-goers and he starts giggling and laughing — and let me tell you, I have never felt more emasculated, more objectified. I was horrified.”

According to People, Crews gained the courage to share his story when the accusations against Weinstein were publicized in the news. “When the Weinstein thing started happening, I got PTSD,” he said. “I was going, ‘Oh my god, this exact thing happened to me. I understand why they won’t come forward.”

In 2017, three-time Olympian gold medalist Gabby Douglas, and former teammates Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney claimed they were sexually abused by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. Douglas told Today that she didn’t disclose his abuse earlier because for years they were conditioned to stay silent and “honestly some things were very painful.” The irony of this is that this statement followed only days after Douglas tweeted: “It is our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy. Dressing in a provocative/sexual way entices the wrong crowd.”

Former teammate and four-time Olympic gold medalist Simon Biles was very disappointed by Douglas’ statement: “Shocks me that I’m seeing this but it doesn’t surprise me,” she wrote. “I support you Aly & all the other women out there! STAY STRONG.”

Realizing her faults, Douglas deleted the tweet and issued an apology via Instagram: “I know that no matter what you wear, it NEVER gives anyone the right to harass or abuse you,” she said. “It would be like saying that because of the leotards we wore, it was our fault that we were abused by Larry Nassar.”

Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison after more than 150 women and girls said in court that he sexually abused them over the past two decades. Many said they were pressured into silence by powerful institutions, including USA Gymnastics, the sport’s governing body in the United States.”

Biles tweeted that she was also sexually assaulted by him: “I, too, am one of the many survivors that were sexually abused by Larry Nassar,” she said Monday afternoon in a Twitter post with the hashtag #MeToo. “There are many reasons that I have been reluctant to share my story, but I know now that it is not my fault.” Biles even demanded the USA Gymnastics to take responsibility in this matter and even stated that they should be held accountable for “allowing Nassar to prey on young girls for decades.”

She said “For far too long I’ve asked myself ‘Was I too naive? Was it my fault?’ I now know the answer to those questions. No. No. It was not my fault. No, I will not and should not carry the guilt that belongs to Larry Nassar, USAG, and others. After hearing the brave stories of my friends and other survivors, I know that this horrific experience does not define me.”

At The 75th Golden Globe Awards, celebrities showed their solidarity and support behind the movement and mission of anti-sexual harassment group Time’s Up, by wearing all black attire.

Tarana Burke’s #MeToo movement gained the attention needed to start the conversation primarily throughout the African American community, as well as men and women from other nationalities. It provides a safe haven and voice for those who have been sexually abused. We thank Tarana Burke and Alyssa Milano for their bravery in pushing this campaign to become such an impacting international movement. Women and Men will no longer become a “victim” held prisoner to such a horrific experience. Instead they will feel empowered, and finally be able to have their voice heard. Most importantly it is a reminder that no one should go through such a traumatic experience alone. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted and/or harassed, please reach out and ask for help. Also, you can visit Burke’s website metoomvmt.org. Let your voice be heard. You are not alone!