#MeToo: The Survivor's Cry For Justice

Fewer than 1% of rapes lead to felony convictions.

One in 3 women experience sexual assault in their lifetime. 

84% of men with histories of having been sexually abused (as documented by social service agencies, which means the case was serious) do not consider themselves victims of abuse.

One in two transgender individuals are sexually abused or assaulted at some point in their lives.

These are among the sobering statistics that exploded into the #MeToo movement. The call for justice is loud, and the voices of the victims lead the way. No longer do we want predators and abusers to hide in the darkness while shame and fear hold back those who have been violated.

Unfortunately, our society can accommodate abusers -- and it has. We have seen rapists given light sentences for the fact that “his future could be ruined.” Defense attorneys bring up histories of being “from a good family” and having “a respectable reputation.” Accusers of assault or harassment are painted as hysterical, and courts of public opinion deem them vengeful or angry. That such incidents sound like cliches is proof of how common they are.

The week of October 14 marks the 2nd anniversary of #MeToo going viral. With our table of featured titles, we hope to bring awareness to the issues in the system and society that allow predators to go unchecked ... to show how we can all be more vigilant, fair and just ... and to allow victims of assault and abuse to take back control of their own narratives.