Women and men across the globe share their stories of sexual assault with #MeToo hashtag

Actress Alyssa Milano has been at the forefront of the #MeToo movement
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Harriet Pavey16 October 2017

Women and men who have been sexually assaulted or harassed are using the #MeToo hashtag to show the world how widespread the issue is.

Victims came forward on Twitter to share their experiences and offer support to others following a flurry of sexual harrassment and assault allegations against film mogul Harvey Weinstein.

#MeToo soon began trending on the site on Sunday night, racking up thousands of tweets and remaining as a top trend through to Monday.

It started with a tweet from actress Alyssa Milano, who was citing a friend.

By Monday morning the tweet had 30,000 replies, mostly from people describing their experience of sexual assault or simply saying “me too”.

Milano’s tweet was posted after a number of women came forward with sexual assault and harassment allegations against film producer Weinstein, who is now the subject of police investigations in London and the US.

More than 30 women – including Rose McGowan, Kate Beckinsale, Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow – have come forward alleging sexual advances and assaults by Weinstein.

Some men used the #MeToo hashtag to urge other men to act to prevent sexual assault.

A host of stars have since slammed Weinstein for his alleged behaviour, with Dame Judi Dench calling the claims "horrifying" and Meryl Streep calling the women who spoke out "heroes".

In response to the harassment claims, Weinstein has apologised for his behaviour but has said many of the allegations against him are false. His spokesman had said that the categorically denies any non-consensual sexual activity.

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