Speak Up: The Importance Of Talking About Abuse

How often have we witnessed a strike or a slap and remained quiet? How many times have we been hurt or traumatized by someone and not said a word? Abuse has become commonplace beyond belief. And yet, any conversations about it remain hushed. Nobody seems to talk about the issue or the prevalence of the issue. Instead, abuse is swept under the rug and remains buried for years.

The subsequent trauma and trust issues that arise from abuse have an effect on every relationship, every house, and every moment. Whether it’s about shying away from a crowd or breaking down in private, abuse can manifest in many ways. Not only are the victims in the situation left scarred, but it may also have an effect on future generations who learn from abuse within households and mimic these behaviors in their own lives. Ultimately, in our silence, we end up normalizing abuse and reducing the consequences that one faces for their involvement in such a crime.

By speaking up, victims are given the agency that someone else has tried to rob them of. Furthermore, it creates a support system that one can easily turn to in times of trouble and pain. Building up the victims coincidentally also reduces the power of the abuser as his shame grows and his actions are exposed. It also teaches future generations what is wrong and right, preparing them for a situation that can come up in different forms, from school bullies to marital abuse. It raises awareness and creates a circle of morality which can change the prevalence of abuse itself.

Victims of abuse are mostly taught that their voices are not important and that they have no place to go. However, with so many shelters and therapists specializing in such cases, we know this is not true. There is support out there; it is hard to find one when there is no conversation regarding abuse.

We believe that legislation does not cover abuse and that no one can save us. However, until our voices come together, we cannot speak up for each other. According to the Department of Justice, 1 out of 4 females and 1 out of 6 males experience some form of abuse. However, owing to the idea of shame, these cases are left unspoken and unreported. This only gives rise to more cases of abuse, from emotional to physical and sexual. All forms of abuse are valid. Each needs to be given importance and care in order to bring each victim peace.

Only by holistically improving the conversation around abuse can we overcome how much of the abuse occurs unknowingly. When we speak up, we earn the power to change lives and bring about a more meaningful standard of safety for all members of society in every social class. 

Are you done being a victim? Read “The Black Gown” by Paolo Tabbi to speak up if you’re a victim of abuse.

Available on Amazon and Google Books