Waco: #MeToo raises awareness about sexual violence

The #MeToo movement that has taken over social media shifts the focus from sexual assault and violent perpetrators to the victims.

Actress Alyssa Milano started the trend Sunday by sending a tweet that reads “If you have been sexually harassed or assaulted write “Me Too” as a reply to this tweet.

The hashtag was tweeted nearly a million times 48 hours after the initial post according to Twitter.

The post comes after recent sexual assault allegations made against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

The Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children in Waco is one organization Central Texas victims can turn to.

"I thought it was a powerful message, Me Too,” Sarah Hopping, a staff member at the Advocacy Center said.

“Without someone feeling obligated to tell their story and to say ‘me too, I'm with you and I'm, with everyone who has been affected by this.’”

Her co-worker Kristen Drumgoole said now that the conversation is in the forefront, she wants actions to reflect words.

“I’m so, so glad it’s a conversation that we are having,” Kristen Drumgoole of the Advocacy Center said.

“The more we talk about it, the less taboo it becomes. Sexual assault will be less prevalent if more people report.”

Drumgoole said it’s also OK for victims to remain silent if they don’t feel comfortable voicing their pain.

The center has helped more than 1,100 victims so far this year.