Breaking the Silence: Why Survivors Do not Speak Out.

Hi guys, accept Steem greetings from the motherland-Cameroon and welcome to my blog where I will be creating awareness about gender based violence (GBV).

GBV is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world, yet it remains one of the least reported. Many people still ask, “If it was really that bad, why did they not speak up?” But the truth is far more complex. Silence is not a sign of acceptance rather it is often a survival strategy most survivors used. To support survivors, we must first understand the barriers that keep them quiet.

|Barriers that Keep Survivors Silent|

For many survivors, the fear of not being believed is overwhelming. Society often questions victims more than perpetrators, demanding proof for experiences that are deeply personal and traumatic. This culture of doubt forces survivors to weigh the risk of speaking out against the possibility of being dismissed or blamed. When someone has already suffered harm, the thought of facing disbelief can feel like a second wound.

There is also the powerful force of shame and self-blame. Abuse often breaks down a person’s confidence and sense of self-worth. Many survivors internalize the violence, believing it was somehow their fault. This emotional manipulation is especially common in abusive relationships, where perpetrators use control, gaslighting, and intimidation to silence their victims long before any physical violence occurs.

Another major barrier is fear of retaliation. Speaking out can mean risking physical danger, financial insecurity, or further emotional abuse. Survivors may worry about their children’s safety, losing their homes, or facing isolation from their communities. For some, silence is not a choice rather it is the only way they feel they can stay alive or protect loved ones.

Cultural and social pressures can also play a huge role. In many communities, GBV is minimized, normalized, or even excused. Survivors may fear being judged, stigmatized, or shamed by their families or religious groups. When the environment around them is unsafe or unsupportive, staying silent can feel like the only option.

The legal system can create its own obstacles. Processes may be long, retraumatizing, or biased. Survivors often have to relive their trauma repeatedly, answering invasive questions and facing their abuser in court. Lack of trust in the justice system, or previous negative experiences, can discourage many from ever coming forward.

It is also important to remember that healing is not linear. Some survivors are not ready to share their stories and that is valid. Speaking out requires emotional strength, safety, and support. No one should be pressured into disclosure until they feel ready.

So what can we do? We can create safe spaces, online and offline, where survivors feel heard and believed. We can challenge victim-blaming language, educate ourselves and others, and offer compassion instead of judgment. We can amplify survivor voices while respecting their boundaries. And above all, we can remind survivors that their silence does not diminish their strength or their truth.

In sum, breaking the silence begins with all of us. When we listen without judgment, stand against stigma, and support survivors unconditionally, we help build a world where no one has to suffer in silence again.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section let’s discuss and learn new concepts and ideas.