“The Risk to Reward for Being an Out Proud Survivor”: Reflections on the #MeToo Movement From Rural and Remote Australia

Abstract

In October 2017, the #MeToo hashtag went viral on social media, emerging as a global medium for solidarity between women who had experienced sexual violence. However, the contextless nature of a hashtag meant that individual variations of experiences were erased in the positioning of #MeToo as a singular statement. Previous literature exposed a lack of understanding of how geographical factors contributed to the response and uptake of #MeToo. This phenomenological study explored rurality as an intersectional factor that influenced women's engagement with the #MeToo movement. Thirty-one women from rural and remote Australia participated in an anonymous online survey, sharing their experiences and perceptions. The barriers for engagement identified by participants mirror the social and structural factors that inhibit disclosure and help-seeking behaviour in rural and remote areas. Regardless of personal engagement, many of the participants felt a collective sense of strength and empowerment through the virtual solidarity of victims. The author concludes with the suggestion for an anonymous online platform for victims of sexual violence to connect and share their experiences. This format may allow victims the psychological benefits of disclosure whilst preventing the negative repercussions of speaking out publicly.