Here's what you need to know about what "The 97 Percent" means on TikTok
March is Women's History Month, but let's be honest: women make history every day.
As divine forces that can only be stopped by Mother Nature, it's safe to say that women are well versed in the art of breaking records, but the latest statistic to surface on social media hasn't something to be proud of. Instead, it terrifies many women. Recently, the term "97%" has been circulating on TikTok, but what does that mean?
Here's what you need to know about why you've been seeing "the 97 percent" all over TikTok.
In early March 2021, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women released a report revealing that 97% of women aged 18 to 24 in the UK have been victims of harcèlement sexuel in public spaces.
The study, which was announced shortly after the disappearance and subsequent death of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, has inspired women around the world to share their own stories of sexual assault or harassment under the hashtag # 97% .
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While the police arrested Wayne Couzens in connection with the murder of Sarah, the death of the young woman hit many Internet users on social networks, inspiring an international movement.
Many using Cynthia Erivo's "Stand Up" as the soundtrack to their videos, women have turned to TikTok to share what they were wearing at the time of their assault or harassment, while others responded to the claim that “not all men” are predators.
A user wrote about Twitter, "If you immediately respond with 'not all men' rather than digesting facts and information or actively thinking about how to be part of the solution, then you are in fact part of the problem. And don't bother to say how "good" you are. I do not care. "
Another said: “PSA: Men, when a woman talks about her negative experiences with one or more men, she responds with 'not all men' 1. Suddenly makes the conversation about you. 2. Derail the conversation and 3. Reject women's experiences.
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Source: Twitter
While it's true that not all men are guilty of sexual harassment, the report suggests that almost all women have experienced it. As shocking as the recently published study is, many women can attest to receiving an unwarranted nude or scream at some point. And despite these seemingly shocking results, the reality is that we know that the number of sexually assaulted or harassed women is high.
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What is sexual assault or harassment?
As children, our parents taught us the importance of saying "please and thank you", but as adults we have learned that the magic word is consent. By law, sexual harassment can include rape, attempted rape, sexual interference, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and threats.
There is a range of behaviors that fall under aggression, and awareness about it is just the start to ending this problem.
If you need help, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/24 at 7-7-1-800. You will be put in touch with a qualified staff member in your area. Or visit RAINN.org to chat online with a support specialist anytime.
