SOCIAL
TikTok Launches New Support Resources as Part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
TikTok has announced a new set of support resources as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is an important initiative for the app, given its reach to younger, more socially active audiences.
As you can see in these images, TikTok has partnered with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) in developing a new collection of educational content, which will be highlighted throughout the month on the Discover page in the app.
As explained by TikTok:
“Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to recognize the important conversations happening on our platform about sexual violence, recovery, and advocacy. We’ve been working with experts to improve our understanding of sexual assault and trauma and how to foster a safe and supportive space for survivors. Now, we’re rolling out new resources we developed with guidance from experts. Our goal is to make access to support readily available to anyone in need and educate the broader community on this important issue.”
The new guides provide advice and information on sexual assault, and links to the National Sexual Assault Hotline for those needing more help.
In addition to this, TikTok’s also looking to add more assistance tools in the coming months, in order to help users better understand, and address concerns and issues.
As noted, given the younger skew of TikTok’s audience, this is an important initiative, while the app has also come under scrutiny over its depiction of young girls, in particular, and the content it showcases within its recommendations.
Back in October, TikTok was temporarily banned in Pakistan over ‘immoral and indecent’ content, while the app has also been banned in other regions due to ‘pornographic and inappropriate’ video clips. TikTok is working to improve its systems in this respect, and has made advances based on variable local rules, but given this focus, it is important for the app to provide related support, where possible, and to look to educate and inform its user community.
Given TikTok’s reach, this could also play an important role in normalizing such behavior, and educating young people more broadly. If TikTok can provide the tools and resources required to help users better understand their support options, and the definitions around such, that could have a significant impact.
As such, this is an important new initiative from TikTok, not just for this month, but moving forward.