Local women respond to campaign addressing sexual misconduct

Flathead Valley residents who use social media have likely been seeing a lot of #metoo posts popping up in their news feed this week.

The hashtag has been used more than a million times on social media to inspire sexual harassment, abuse or assault victims to shed light onto the magnitude of the problem.

The recent #metoo movement gained momentum after actress Alyssa Milano tweeted a call-out to women to share their stories. The call-out came in the wake of sexual coercion and assault allegations against Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

“Female film stars started speaking out as a way to empower others to speak out,” said Kalispell obstetrician gynecologist Gina Nelson, who was one of the millions to post #metoo on her Facebook account this week.

“[The hashtag] is a way to elevate the response so the public can see just how prevalent the abuse is,” she said. “I think the majority of women have had instances of this, from micro aggression, to rape and everywhere in between.”

According to the National Women’s Law Center, sexual harassment — ranging from derogatory comments to threats of sexual assault and rape — is a serious problem affecting one out of every four women in the U.S. According to the center, many women are reluctant to report workplace sexual harassment for a number of reasons, including fear of losing their jobs or otherwise hurting their careers.

Flathead Valley radio personality Leah Lindsay said she hesitated at first to share her #metoo story.

“Initially, I thought I don’t know if I want to do this because I don’t want to live in a victim state of mind,” Lindsay said. “Then I thought, this is about being a survivor and sharing your story so more people can become courageous enough to share theirs — and say ‘This needs to stop.’”

Lindsay said she has dealt with her experience through therapy and women’s groups, and decided to bring awareness to sexual abuse issues by directing a play called, “But I Said No.”

“You can use your talents to make a difference, and the difference I can make is by telling stories on the stage or on film, or through radio,” Lindsay said.

Lindsay said she appreciates the #metoo campaign for creating a serious social conversation about what’s going on in the world.

“I have been moved by how many men have answered,” she added.

The campaign prompted a male friend to talk to Lindsay about his sexual assault experience as a child.

“Unfortunately, males are actually part of this too,” Lindsay said.

Men have also been responding to #metoo as a call for action, prompting a new hashtag #HowIWillChange.

“I’ve seen men responding who say ‘It makes me angry this is happening,’” Lindsay said. “I love that men are voicing those opinions as well.”

While the campaign can be a powerful way to bring attention to the issue, it’s important for women to understand they have no obligation to tell their story, Flathead Valley doctor Nelson said.

“[People] should be cautioned that seeing #metoo accounts on social media may trigger negative feelings from the past,” Nelson explained.

If someone isn’t ready to share their story publicly, they should feel comfortable talking to their doctor about their needs, Nelson said.

If sexual abuse or harassment is coming from a hostile work environment, community members can contact the Montana Department of Labor and Industry human rights division at 444-2840.

The Abbie Shelter’s sexual assault and domestic violence crisis line is 752-7273.

Reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 758-4441 or blaughlin@dailyinterlake.com.