ROANOKE, Va. – “I am a great-grandmother. We fought this issue many years ago, and we're still at it,” said Barbara Keywood, a resident of Roanoke.
It’s a rallying cry that’s being flooded on social media.
“There have been a lot of stories in the media about men in powerful positions who abuse that power,” said Executive Director Teresa Berry, at the Sexual Assault Response and Awareness crisis center.
The “Me too” movement started in response to the Harvey Weinstein scandal when several women accused him of sexual misconduct.
“I think our culture community is getting tired of it,” Berry said.
The crisis center which provides counseling for survivors, has becoming increasingly busy. In the past several months, Berry says calls have gone up by about fifteen percent.
She believes those who are not participating in the movement do not owe anyone their story.
“I support those who participate in the movement, but it’s just as important to confront the issue and bring awareness to the issue,” Berry said.
In most cases, she says the victim and the offender know each other.
“When people think of sexual assault or rape, they think of a stranger hiding in the bushes. But most of the time, the victim and the offender know each other. They have a pre-existing relationship in one form or another,” Berry said.
Whether or not victims are participating in the “Me too” movement, Berry wants all survivors to know that they are not alone.