It’s thought that only 344 out of every 1,000 cases of sexual assault gets reported to authorities, meaning roughly two thirds of incidents will never be investigated.

There are a number of reasons why people decide not to report — from fear of testifying or fears their attacker might retaliate — all valid concerns considering that out of every 1,000 rapes, only six perpetrators will go to jail.

Last year, though, countless women — including Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd, two of the first to speak out publicly against Harvey Weinstein — decided to take a stand against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, triggering a massive #MeToo movement across every industry.

Now, it is the hope of Natalie Portman, Shonda Rhimes, Kerry Washington, lawyer Nina L. Shaw, Michelle Obama’s chief of staff, Tina Tchen, and all those involved with the Time’s Up project, that we can harness the strength and unity of #MeToo and use it to generate positive change.

As Witherspoon points out: “We’re finally hearing each other and seeing each other, and now locking arms in solidarity with each other, and in solidarity for every woman who doesn’t feel seen, to be finally heard.”

You can read all about Times Up and learn how to get involved here.

Images: Rex Features

These incredible Hollywood stars just unveiled their powerful anti-harassment plan