On Sunday CNN broadcast The Hunting Ground into millions of homes and the response has been profound.
Despite the best efforts of trolls and rape deniers on social media and in print to hijack the conversation, despite the pleas of FSU President John Thrasher for the public to tune out, despite legal threats from star quarterback and accused rapist Jameis Winston to try and stop the broadcast—the documentary aired, and millions participated in a much-needed national discussion.
Thanks @CNN for not backing down and airing #TheHuntingGround. End #rapeculture
— stephanie maguire (@stephaniemagui4) November 23
Online, it was clear that the public was persuaded by the facts and strongly voiced support.
Every survivor of sexual assault deserves to be heard, believed, and supported. https://t.co/mkD69RHeBL
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 23
We tracked more than 52 million impressions on Twitter alone. Political leaders, students, parents and teachers all voiced their support not just for the film, but for the incredible women and men who shared their stories of survival.
@PippaMann: #TheHuntingGround – incredibly well done, and tough to watch, but that’s kind of the point… #EndRa… https://t.co/ZA2xHSlDkW
— Open Wheel Weekly (@OpenWheelWeekly) November 23
Following the broadcast, CNN hosted a roundtable discussion, inviting Amy and Kirby to discuss how the film was made and providing a space for some of the film’s critics to air their grievances.
I vow to do a better job of educating my first-year students on this topic and making them aware of their resources. #TheHuntingGround
— Joseph Diodato (@joe_diodato) November 23
Again, it was clear from the public response and the on-air panel discussion that nobody was fooled by the critics’ bad information.
Thank you @CNN for airing @thehuntinground So much value in sharing not only the stories but the activism that came out of them!
— Garland Mann-Lamb (@gmannlamb) November 23
Facts are facts, and judging from the overwhelming support we’ve received since The Hunting Ground’s TV debut, we’re confident that the film will continue to educate the public about these heinous crimes and coverups and lead to real change.
#Kamilahwillingham is what brave looks like! #CNN #TheHuntingGround #unotalone
— Louisa Bertman (@louisabertman) November 23
Thank you for your support, online and off. If you haven’t seen the film, you can watch it digitally here.
Thank you to everyone for your support. Together we can end campus sexual violence @endrapeoncampus #TheHuntingGround
— Sofie Karasek (@SofieRKarasek) November 23
Once you see the documentary, take action. Go to See Act Stop and find ways to get involved.
At least 80% of women sexually assaulted while in college do not report: https://t.co/Io1sYoaaFf #TheHuntingGround
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) November 23
Below are some words of encouragement from those viewing the film in real time. We can’t possibly do justice to the outpouring of support and solidarity, but this should give a glimpse of the impact we’re having together.
i thought i knew a lot about rape on campus, but #TheHuntingGround brings up a lot of facts i was never aware about.
— くコ:彡 (@futomiko) November 23
Watching #TheHuntingGround on CNN. Prayers of support to the survivors. Hopefully one day the universities will get it right.
— Becky (@bay2beach) November 23
"I would've given anything to have someone believe me…" We've got to stop treating victims like criminals #TheHuntingGround
— Miss Carter (@KimmyBimmyWimmy) November 23
I think most survivors who do this work do so because they don't want anyone else to go through it. #TheHuntingGround
— Harry A. Lewis (@halewis_) November 23
#thehuntingground @CNN a wonderful piece of journalism. You have me in tears. So sad.
— Robert Schmitz (@rwsdmd) November 23