It’s natural to feel that people who hurt others, especially in ways that leave lasting scars, should be called out. When someone commits serious harm, especially abuse, our instincts tell us that they shouldn’t go unrecognized and certainly not without consequence.

Naming and shaming can sometimes have an important role, especially in cases where it’s about raising awareness, preventing further harm, or supporting justice initiatives. In a public health context, it can lead to changes in policy, encourage others to come forward, and build social pressure against behaviors we, as a society, want to end. In recent years, movements like #MeToo have shown the power of survivors telling their stories, and in many cases, those disclosures have brought important changes and consequences. This form of public accountability can create safe spaces for survivors and even catalyze broader shifts in society.

That said, naming abusers publicly can be risky and complex. It’s a deeply personal decision for survivors to share their stories, and it should always be handled with care. For survivors, sharing experiences of abuse requires a safe space where they’re empowered to speak without fear of retaliation, victim-blaming, or negative impact on their own lives. There’s also the legal aspect to consider: naming someone as an abuser in a public forum can lead to libel or defamation suits unless the allegations are substantiated in court.

In the trauma therapy world, emphasis is often placed on healing and finding personal justice. Sometimes this involves public accountability, and other times it means working toward a place of safety and peace without the involvement of the person who caused the trauma. Ultimately, the focus should be on supporting survivors in ways that are empowering and healthy, whether that involves naming abusers publicly or finding other avenues to ensure that justice is served.

If you’re working to support trauma survivors, providing safe and therapeutic spaces where they can choose their path toward justice, accountability, and healing can often be the best approach.