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How 'MeToo' is exposing the scale of sexual abuse

Reuters Alyssa MilanoReuters
Actress Alyssa Milano asked victims of sexual harassment and assault to come forward

Women and men from all over the globe who have been sexually harassed have been sharing their stories across social media using the hashtag "me too" to show the magnitude of sexual assault.

It follows further allegations of rape against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

More than two dozen women - among them actresses Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rose McGowan - have made accusations against him including rape and sexual assault. Weinstein insists sexual relations he had were consensual.

Since the allegations surfaced many high profile names have used social media to highlight the problem of sexual assault, some also detailing the harassment they've endured.

The latest prominent hashtag, #MeToo, has been used more than 200,000 times since Sunday night. The term gained momentum after actress Alyssa Milano asked victims of sexual assault to come forward in a show of solidarity.

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A number of singers, actors and actresses responded including Debra Messing and Anna Paquin.

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Many other social media users shared stories of the abuse they had suffered. One Twitter user who wanted to remain anonymous posted: "I was 19. He plied me with alcohol, forced a tongue kiss and touched my chest. I blamed myself for being drunk. #MeToo."

Men and members of the transgender community have also voiced their support of the campaign including actor and singer Javier Munoz, and other men shared details of their own experiences.

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Cortney Anne Budney posted on Facebook: "Me too for men too. Let's not forget the men and boys. Their "me too"s are equally important and often quite hidden."

Writer Charles Clymer, who has been the victim of rape, took to Facebook to share his views. He said although both genders suffer abuse "there's a specific misogynistic component to rape culture."

"It's okay to take aside time to highlight misogyny specifically and amplify women," he posted on Facebook.

Rajini Vaidyanathan
The BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan on her #MeToo experience: "The more people talk, the less it's becoming acceptable"

Although the #MeToo hashtag is trending worldwide - including in the UK, US, India and Pakistan - other hashtags are also being generated.

In France, Twitter users are using #balancetonporc or "rat on your dirty old man" to encourage women to name and shame their attackers, while #Womenwhoroar is another term being used to encourage victims of bullying or sexual abuse to speak up.