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Victoria’s Secret model is exposing terrifying culture of exploitation

The problem is far more insidious than Harvey Weinstein.

This week has been rough. Allegations of rampant sexual assault at the hands of Harvey Weinstein have snowballed to a collective, overwhelming fear that we don’t truly understand how deep it runs or if we can fix it.

As soon as the floodgates opened, some celebrities made a point of saying the sexual assault is bigger than Weinstein; that their industry is riddled with predators, harassment and exploitation.

WATCH: It’s more than just Woody Allen and Harvey Weinstein – remember the most controversial instances of sexual assault in Hollywood’s history.

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Victoria’s Secret model and activist Cameron Russell is one such person shining a light on the insidious nature of the industry.

She’s pointing out that if we aren’t working to expunge every person known to use their position of power to attack the vulnerable, then the furore around Weinstein is merely a publicity stunt.

“A brave model (and friend) reached out to me with her story today,” Russell explained on Instagram. “She has asked to remain anonymous but asked that I share her words here because the photographer still works in the industry.

“She wants to encourage other women to speak up. We need a way to begin breaking the silence while remaining protected.”

Each testimony, posted anonymously on her Instagram, details the abuse suffered by models and assistants at the hands of photographers, clients and bosses. Click the arrow button on the post to read the whole story.

Warning: It’s grim reading.

The post started the hashtag #MyJobShouldNotIncludeAbuse and details, in devastating accuracy, just how widespread instances of abuse and power play are across the board.

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