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MANILA, Philippines – Rape in itself is a horrifying ordeal that could scar victims their whole life. Confessing that you’ve been raped, however, is just as difficult.
According to the Philippine Commission on Women, many cases of rape aren’t reported due to the cultural and social stigma of the act. It’s the same case all around the world. Going to the authorities is easier said than done; fear, shame, and second-guessing can prevent someone from reporting a blatant, violent crime.
Social media, however, is helping to lift the taboo. On Thursday, October 30, women and men around the world set social media alight with the hashtag #BeenRapedNeverReported. According to the Huffington Post, the hashtag originated from the Toronto Star’s Antonia Zerbisias, who started it in support of actress Lucy DeCoutere. De Coutere had accused former CBC host Jian Ghomeshi of sexual violence – one of 9 women to do so, and only one of two to do so in public.
Through #BeenRapedNeverReported, netizens got to reveal their ordeal and explain what held them back from reporting in the first place, baring the threats they’ve gotten from both loved ones and the authorities, and the immense guilt they place on themselves, among other hurdles.
Below is a sampling of posts via Twitter and Instagram:
How do you feel about #BeenRapedNeverReported? Do you have a similar story to share? Let us know what you think in the comments section below. – Rappler.com
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