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US Sexual assault hotlines flooded after #MeToo campaign

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Jan 17, 2018, 07:39 PM IST
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The MeToo campaign went viral in October 2017 and started as a hashtag on Twitter. Photograph:(Others)

As a result of the #MeToo campaign, US sexual assault hotlines are receiving a record number of calls from victims trying to reach out for help.

According to reports, the spike in calls was seen ever since the movement began in October 2017.

Reuters reported that the hotline operated by the 'Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network' received a total of 209,480 calls, highest ever since the network was set-up in the year 1993.

People waited for up to three hours to talk at the National Sexual Assault Hotline, stated reports.

According to the DC Rape Crisis Center's Executive Director, Indira Henard, close to 70 people seek legal, physical or psychological help in a week. The number was around 30 to 40 a week before the campaign started.

The center also saw a spike in its donations.

The MeToo campaign became viral October 2017 onward as a hashtag started from Twitter.

The campaign started with an aim to spread awareness about the widespread prevalence of sexual harassment.

Many celebrities revealed shocking instances of sexual misconduct faced by them.

Allegations of sexual misconduct emerged against eminent Hollywood personalities like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey.

Dozens of women accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct, however, Weinstein denied the reports.

Some of the most notable personalities who shared stories of sexual violence included Jennifer Lawrence, Reese Witherspoon, Lady Gaga, Uma Thurman, Ellen DeGeneres and Ashley Judd among others.

(With inputs from Reuters)