Victims encouraged to continue efforts at #MeToo gathering
An Edmonton woman who came forward with sexual harassment allegations against a federal cabinet minister urged attendees at a rally at the Alberta legislature on Saturday to carry the momentum of the #MeToo movement into the 2019 provincial election.
“We find ourselves at an incredible moment in history,” Kristin Raworth said.
“Survivors are finding, claiming and using their voices to share their stories in a way we’ve never seen before.”
A crowd of around 100 people gathered at the front steps of the legislature to hear Raworth and several other speakers talk about personal experiences with surviving sexual assault and harassment, as well as strategies for translating online awareness campaigns into action.
The #MeToo hashtag was popularized on social media in late 2017 as survivors of sexual violence
Survivors are finding, claiming and using their voices to share their stories in a way we’ve never seen before.
used it to share their own experiences and show solidarity.
Raworth, who faced death threats and online abuse in the wake of tweeting about allegations against Calgary MP Kent Hehr, called on all Alberta political parties to make sexual violence a major platform issue in the 2019 election.
She called for equalization of access so that survivors in rural Alberta get the same level of support that people in urban communities get, and for ensuring victims have access to legal support and advocacy. She also spoke about making sure all law enforcement and justice system professionals receive specialized sexual violence education and trauma-informed training.
Rally attendees cheered and hoisted signs and banners emblazoned with messages like “safety and justice for all,” “united we stand” and “educate your sons.”
The non-partisan event organized by March on Edmonton Collective featured speakers and representatives from different levels of government and different political parties.
Speakers addressed the issue of ensuring the movement supports and gives a platform to all survivors, including people of colour, the LGBTQ community, as well as male victims of sexual violence.
Earlier this week, the province announced $8.1 million in funding for the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services. The money will also help increase police and court assistance to help deal with unprecedented waiting lists as more and more survivors come forward.
Debra Tomlinson, CEO of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, spoke at the rally Saturday and encouraged each person in attendance to use their voice to speak out in support of survivors and to condemn sexual violence.
“You will be taking responsibility for the change you want to see in the world, and you will be part of putting an end to the abuse of power we call sexual assault,” Tomlinson said.