Warning: This article contains content that some people may find triggering and distressing.
Women's charities have slammed an 'abhorrent' TikTok video which is rumoured to have promoted a 'National Rape Day' on Saturday 24th April.
The video apparently claimed to show a number of men promoting the idea of an annual sexual assault day.
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People have been so disturbed by the twisted idea that women were even warned to 'stay indoors' tomorrow over the threat.
Evidence of the video no longer exists on TikTok, and it's currently unclear if it was created and quickly removed. What we do know is that TikTok have since explained they "haven't seen evidence of this trending on [their] platform" adding that their safety team "remains vigilant".
One person wrote on Twitter: "A group of six individuals whom happen to be men made a tiktok on where they made April 24th 'national rape day' which went viral.
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"... I personally do not know if this is a real thing or not, but I take this matter seriously. I beg for you all to stay safe and follow any steps to protect yourselves. this completely disgusts me and as well scares me to my core."
Meanwhile another said: "Trigger warning. Saw a TikTok about how April 24th is apparently 'National Rape Day' and whether or not this is a joke, I feel the need to spread the word about it because that's absolutely terrifying that something like that is even going around. Everyone pls stay safe."
And one added: "A group of men on tiktok have designated the 24th of April as 'national rape day' as an excuse to carry out sexual assault. They even made disturbing videos on tips of how to carry out these assaults."
Following the sickening claims, charities such as Rape Crisis and Women's Aid have spoken out about the horrifying idea, reminding people that rape is both illegal and not something to be 'joked' about.
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Katie Russell, spokesperson for Rape Crisis England & Wales called the concept "abhorrent and extremely distressing".
"Regardless of its origins, or whether or not it was intended as a 'joke' at any point, the very concept of such a day is abhorrent and has caused many people, particularly women and girls, a great deal of understandable fear," she told Tyla.
"The 'trend' will no doubt have also been extremely distressing for many, not least of all victims and survivors of rape and all forms of sexual violence and abuse who might have had vivid memories and flashbacks to past experiences triggered by this.
"Obviously, despite one particular piece of misinformation that has featured in this so-called 'trend', there is no day or moment where laws are suspended and rape is legal in the USA or anywhere else in the world. Rape and sexual assault are always serious crimes.
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"It should also go without saying that rape and all forms of sexual violence and abuse are traumatic experiences that can and do have wide-ranging and long-lasting impacts, and are never appropriate topics to 'joke' about.
"This episode reminds us of the ongoing need for us to collectively challenge, resist and dismantle the damaging, sexist 'rape culture' that still exists in our society.
"We also must stress again that, however well-meaning, 'safety advice' aimed at women will not ultimately prevent or end sexual violence and abuse, or male violence against women and girls more broadly.
"Only perpetrators have the power and, crucially, the responsibility, to end violence against women and girls, and we must unite in our message of zero tolerance to those who incite, promote, glorify, trivialise, normalise or commit this violence."
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Meanwhile, Farah Nazeer, chief executive at Women's Aid, said: "We know from our work with domestic abuse survivors that rape and sexual assault are used by the perpetrator to belittle, humiliate, coerce and control.
"... Whether this is a hoax or not is irrelevant - rape is an unacceptable violation, and it is no joke.
"That a 'rape day' could be conceived as a joke brings home the level of change we need in our society. It is an affront to every woman. It also demonstrates the urgent need for improved education on issues such as consent and healthy relationships. Every woman has the right to live a life free from abuse and violence."
In a statement, TikTok told The Sun: "The supposed 'National Rape Day' trend being reported upon is abhorrent and would be a direct violation of our Community Guidelines, and while we haven't seen evidence of this trending on our platform, our safety team remains vigilant and would remove any such content."
If you have been affected by this story, you can find help, advice and support from Rape Crisis here, or Women's Aid here.
Topics: Life News, Rape, TikTok