Sexual Abuse
A report by the World Health Organisation has found that nearly 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime globally, resulting in "around 736 million, are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner."
“Violence against women is endemic in every country and culture, causing harm to millions of women and their families, and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But unlike COVID-19, violence against women cannot be stopped with a vaccine. We can only fight it with deep-rooted and sustained efforts – by governments, communities and individuals – to change harmful attitudes, improve access to opportunities and services for women and girls, and foster healthy and mutually respectful relationships.”
Dita Von Teese has responded to the allegations of abuse made against her ex-husband Marilyn Manson by actress Evan Rachel Wood and several other women.
"I have been processing the news that broke Monday regarding Marylin Manson. To those who have expressed your concerns of my well-being, I appreciate your kindness. Please know that the details made public do not match my personal experience during our 7 years together as a couple. Had they, I would not have married him in December 2005. I left 12 months later due to infidelity and drug abuse," von Teese wrote in a statement posted on Instagram. "Abuse of any kind has no place in any relationship. I urge those of you who have incurred abuse to take steps to heal and the strength to fully realize yourself."
Marilyn Manson, who has recently been accused of abusive behaviour in previous relationships, has posted a statement to his Instagram account, calling the allegations a "horrible distortions of reality".
"Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how - and why - others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth," so Manson.
Marilyn Manson's record company has drawn consequences after several women made accusations against the musician. Loma Vista Recordings announced on Twitter on Monday that it would no longer distribute Manson's latest album due to the "disturbing allegations". There will be no new projects.
In addition, the TV shows "Creepshow" and "American Gods" cancel his appearances.
For years, actress and activist Evan Rachel Wood has spoken out about living as a survivor of sexual violence. In an Instagram post published Monday, she named Marilyn Manson as the abuser.
Wood wrote: “He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission. I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail. I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives. I stand with the many victims who will no longer be silent.”
The Twitter campaign "#MeTooInceste" was started by NousToutes activist known as Marie Chenevance after French political commentator, Olivier Duhamel was accused of abusing his teenage stepson. Thousands of French survivors of incest spoke out about their own abuse experiences on Twitter.
Tweets:
- "I was 11 the first time, I thought it was by accident that he touched my private area, and later realized that it can’t be, because he was clearly sober. #metooinceste."
- "I was 13, him 26. He was my uncle."
- "I was six years old when the touching started, 15 when I had to live maritally with my father, be prostituted and raped on his order, 16 when I had to abort his work, 17 when I denounced him and was rejected by the family."
- "I was between 11 and 14 years old. It was my brother. I'm 57 years old and I am still a victim of this past."