In a world that prides itself on progress, innovation, and connection, we find ourselves facing a paradox that is as disturbing as it is heart-breaking. Despite all our advancements, we are still living in a time where abuse—emotional, physical, psychological, or sexual—is often dismissed, denied, or hidden under layers of silence.

Why is it that when someone speaks out about the abuse they have suffered, they are often met with avoidance, platitudes, or outright rejection? Why are victims told to “move on”, “let it go”, or “not dwell on the past”—as if healing were as simple as flicking a switch?

From a psychological perspective, these reactions are not just unhelpful—they are profoundly damaging. They reinforce the isolation that victims already feel. They compound the trauma. And they reveal a collective discomfort that society has with pain, vulnerability, and accountability.

The truth is, many people who offer these dismissive responses have never experienced deep trauma. They don’t understand it—and crucially, they don’t want to. Acknowledging abuse, especially when it’s emotional or invisible to the naked eye, means confronting a reality that challenges our worldview. It forces people to sit with discomfort, to question their assumptions, and to recognize that abusers are not always monsters in the shadows. Sometimes, they are charismatic, well-liked, and even loved. Sometimes, they are the people we know.

And so instead, many turn away. They drop friends who are “too much,” who speak “too honestly,” who are “too intense.” They minimize the stories that don’t fit into a neat narrative. They support the perpetrator because “he seemed nice” or “she was always so lovely.” They uphold the image, rather than seeking the truth.

But here’s what psychology teaches us: silence breeds shame. And shame is the breeding ground of trauma. When a victim is met with disbelief or dismissal, their internal world becomes even more fragmented. Healing becomes harder. And the message they receive is clear—your pain is inconvenient.

So what kind of world are we living in?

We are living in a world that urgently needs emotional intelligence. A world that desperately needs education about trauma, empathy, boundaries, and the complex reality of abuse. A world where “moving on” shouldn’t mean “pretending it didn’t happen.” A world where listening is more powerful than fixing. And where support doesn’t mean offering solutions, but holding space.

We must remember that healing is not linear. It does not have a deadline. And it does not require the permission or validation of others. But it does require compassion, community, and safety.

To those who have spoken their truth and been met with silence—you are not alone. Your voice matters. Your experience is valid. And there are people out there who do understand, who do care, and who will walk with you through your healing journey.

Let’s build that world—together.

#TraumaAwareness #EmotionalAbuse #PsychologicalAbuse #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #NotThePersonYouThinkTheyAre #EmotionalIntelligence #EmpathyOverSilence #StandWithSurvivors #PostTraumaticGrowth

— Linda C J Turner

Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment