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Another #MeToo like movement is sweeping social media. The hashtag #IBeatMyAssaulter is trending across the internet, with women speaking out about how they took on their assaulters.
The movement was started by activist Mona Eltahawy. “I started #IBeatMyAssaulter to talk about being assaulted at 50 in a secular space. The intersection is patriarchy and the way it entities men to our bodies and the way it expects us to not fight back,” she said.
“I am 50 now and shameless. Between 15 and 50, I learned to grab the hands that assaulted me and to punch, smack and spit at their owners. I share that for all the women who, for now, are unable to punch a man who assaults them. #IBeatMyAssaulter,” said activist Mona Eltahawy
Here are a few of the stories that are coming in on Twitter:
A few of months ago, a drunk ex friend cornered me and put his hands on me. I said no repeatedly but he kept touching me so I kicked him hard and got away. I have absolutely no regrets and would do it again to any man who doesn’t take my no for a concrete answer #IBeatMyAssaulter said Nikita Gill, on Twitter.
Check out @monaeltahawy's #IBeatMyAssaulter thread. 1st time I physically defended myself against a street harasser I was 15. He grabbed my arm and jerked me around for a "good look." I punched him hard in his Adam's apple & ran. Jarring & frightening, but I never regretted it.
— Soraya "You Sound Angry" Chemaly (@schemaly) February 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/Faranak_amidi/status/962744130748248064
https://twitter.com/Faranak_amidi/status/962745138979196928
I love the #IBeatMyAssaulter posts & am proud of the numerous times I have. Also some solidarity for people that couldn’t or didn’t for whatever reason. You’re valid, we’re valid (I’ve also had situations where I didn’t respond) 💓
— immy (@muliercula_) February 11, 2018
A few years ago I worked in a very sexist environment. One of my colleagues slapped my bum in the office. It was humiliating. But men stick together and play it down. Ah, he didn't mean it like that. He respects you. So I reported him to HR. The backlash! #IBeatMyAssaulter
— Zainab Ali 🌈 (@writingwithza) February 11, 2018
Finding the #IBeatMyAssaulter tag so inspiring. So important to recognise that not everyone is able to react like this though, and that "freeze" and "friend" are the other, lesser known half of the "fight or flight" brain reactions we're all taught about.
— Caitlin #BwiththeT 🧜 (@waywardtapper) February 11, 2018
A few years ago I worked in a very sexist environment. One of my colleagues slapped my bum in the office. It was humiliating. But men stick together and play it down. Ah, he didn't mean it like that. He respects you. So I reported him to HR. The backlash! #IBeatMyAssaulter
— Zainab Ali 🌈 (@writingwithza) February 11, 2018
“Loving @monaeltahawy’s #IBeatMyAssaulter hashtag. First time, I was 15 and it happened in school with an older student. I remember the power I felt in throwing that first punch. And the ones after. Glad I was taught to fight,” says Sunny Singh.
“I was pulled off a footpath while walking home alone in Dubai. He put one hand up my dress and the other down my neckline. I elbowed him hard in the chest & threw the burger I was eating at him. I managed to get away, albeit with torn tights & a scratched chest,” says Georgia Lewis.
We are loving this new movement. What are some incidents in which you beat your assaulter? Share with us in the comments section.
Also Read: What’s the difference between sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment and rape?
