This Is Why Victims Stay Quiet

The fear of speaking their truth is a heavy burden for many.

Consider the stories of those who have been trafficked, exploited, sexually violated, abused, bullied, scammed, or wronged in any way.

There’s purpose in their stories. They remind the others that overcoming these experiences and to continue to live on is possible.

Speaking out sheds light on what happened behind closed doors.

It raises awareness, warning others of potential dangers and equipping them to identify and potentially help others avoid similar experiences.

This act of reclaiming their narratives can be a crucial part of the healing process, with the possibility of justice adding another layer of closure.

Ultimately, these stories belong to the survivors. It’s their story to tell.

This isn't about public entertainment or validation. Victims' lived experiences stand alone, and their truth doesn't require an outsider's stamp of approval.

Sadly, the victims had to deal with a barrage of shaming tactics. They're accused of "playing the victim," a cruel dismissal of their trauma.

A rape victim is slut shamed for her assault because of her clothing or behavior.

A domestic violence victim is pressured to tolerate abuse by minimizing it.

A bully victim is told to "toughen up" and dismissed for their experience.

Such dismissive and insensitive responses.

Some even make the absurd statement, "I'll never be a victim," as if being a victim is ever a choice.

Would those who dismiss these experiences so easily say the same thing if it happened to their loved ones?

The truth is, they aren't playing a victim. They are the victims.

Society's response is a cruel twist of the knife, revictimizing survivors with dismissal and blame.

These victims hold onto their experiences in silence for a multitude of reasons.

Speaking out can be a double-edged sword. It's a chance to heal and seek accountability, but it also forces them to relive the pain all over again.

The barrage of disbelief, public shaming, harassment, trolling, and ostracization often silences the victim. This madness creates an impossible situation. As victims, they shouldn't be forced to choose between silence and suffering.

They lose the will to pursue justice and closure even when they are not in the wrong.

Some victims, crushed by such unwarranted shame, retreat so deeply that closure becomes impossible. Tragically, some are driven to commit suicide.

People should be reminded of these stories - the human cost of victim shaming.

While some may hide behind anonymity to unleash incessant mockery and harassment, their attacks inflict further pain on those already suffering. Survivors aren't seeking pity; they seek closure and the courage to live on.

Why victims are being silenced?

Why are they met with such indignation, judgmental pronouncements, and speculation when they choose to speak their truth? Even those battling illness face this cruelty.

Why?

©Emika Oka

Thank you for reading this.

Previously published on From The Corner of My Mind

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