'Man in Charge' Tik Tok Challenge Targets Waukesha Advocacy Group

WAUKESHA, WI —The Women's Center of Waukesha County, which provides safety, shelter, and support to all impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse and trafficking, has been the target of a new social media challenge. Tik Tok users are participating in the so-called"Man in charge" challenge.

Users record videos of themselves calling random "feminist numbers" and asking for the man in charge.

In one Tik Tok video, since deleted, a user recorded himself called a women's organization. He was only able to get an automated message.

"(Expletive) women," the user said.

Angela Mancuso, executive director of The Women's Center in Waukesha said that earlier in the week, the center received over 100 prank calls to the 24-hour hotline making it difficult for advocates to respond to real crisis calls.

The hotline serves as a critical lifeline for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Calls are clogging up the lines and not allowing for legitimate calls to come through, Mancuso said.

She said someone who has been traumatized, it can take a lot for them to feel safe enough to make that first call.

"That is what eats at me. If someone can't get through right away, they may not call back," she said.

The hotline is still open and able to take calls. Mancuso wants people to know they are still responsive and taking calls.

She described the challenge participants as lacking consideration for people who have needs and who were traumatized.

"There is a lack of understanding that what they (social media app users) are doing is much bigger than getting a few laughs," she said.

Already dealing with trauma

The slew of prank calls is not showing signs of slowing down and has become more disturbing.

"People are now calling and describing rape in graphic detail and using misogynist and transphobic slurs. So this is literal harassment now," Mancuso said.

Hotline advocates are already in the field of trauma and the inappropriate calls do not make the job any easier. Especially during a global pandemic.

When the Wisconsin Safer at Home order was announced, there was a decrease in calls to the Women's Center but an increase in lethality/danger assessment calls.

The order made it much harder for victims to reach out for help due to being trapped at home with their abuser, Mancuso said.

Once the order was lifted, the hotline calls increased back to pre-pandemic rates.

"In a time when victims are at high risk and an opportunity to reach out is essential, these pranks are especially threatening to the center's work," she said.

One advocate was able to talk some sense in a prank caller. After asking to speak to the man in charge, an advocate asked if they knew they were calling an organization that helps victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

"The caller must have felt bad and spilled the beans about the challenge," she said.

The Women's Center is just one of many organizations this is happening to, according to Mancuso. She added her staff has found videos of similar challenges directed at suicide hotlines.

"It is appalling," she said.

What you can do

Here's a statement from a TikTok spokesperson:

"We are committed to promoting a safe and positive app environment for our users. Our Community Guidelines outline behavior that is not acceptable on the platform, and we take action against behavior that violates those policies, including by removing content or accounts. We also offer a number of features to help users control their online experience, including options to report inappropriate content, limit and filter comments, and block users. For more, please visit our Safety Center."

The TikTok spokesperson said the company make clear in its Community Guidelines that they do not permit content that reveals or threatens to reveal personally identifiable information, including but not limited to residential address, private email address, private phone number, bank statement, social security number, or passport number - and they take action against this content when it's reported.

The center is asking for users to still report it immediately on the app. Mancuso encourages people to email info@tiktok.com and ask them to stop this trend.

The center does outreach with families and schools and discusses digital abuse and social media.

"As parents, they need to know what their kids are up to. We don't want your child to become a target or a victim," she said.

In this case, parents need to know these teens are causing emotional damage.

If you are in danger and need help, the Women's Center 24-Hour Hotline is always available at 262-542-3828.