#metoo and how digital communities help to resist and recover from gender-based violence

In late 2017, #metoo burst onto the public landscape and sparked a global debate on sexual harassment and abuse. We remember the way the hashtag spread like wildfire across our social media channels, as numerous friends shared their experiences; the viral nature of the campaign and the power it offered to the poster to divulge as much or as little as they wanted or felt able, was revelatory.

The #metoo campaign has been criticised, especially around how public attention has tended to align with existing patterns of privilege. Nevertheless, the campaign has provided many people with new opportunities and spaces to share their experiences. This is incredibly valuable and reminds us that while digital technologies and environments can be co-opted as avenues for harassment and abuse, they also offer tools for connection and resistance.

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