15/12/2025
One of the deepest wounds after sexual assault isn’t just what happened to you ,it’s when family members don’t believe you because they “know” the person who hurt you.
I spoke to a lady I met over the weekend the hurt in her eyes,the confusion of Why don't they believe me cuts deep.I know this feeling all to well
They say things like “He would never do that” or “She’s known him for years.”
But knowing someone does not mean they are incapable of violence.
When family chooses comfort over truth, the survivor is left carrying not only the trauma of r**e, but the pain of betrayal.
Being doubted by the people who were supposed to protect you cuts deeper than words can explain.
Disbelief doesn’t change what happened.
Silence doesn’t erase harm.
And protecting an abuser does not protect a family, it breaks one.
R**e is not always committed by strangers in dark alleys.
Most survivors are hurt by someone familiar. Someone trusted. Someone “known.”
To survivors walking this lonely road:
Your truth does not need their permission to exist.
You are not lying. You are not dramatic. You are not tearing the family apart.
The responsibility lies with the person who assaulted you and with those who chose denial over your safety.
Believe survivors.
Even when it’s uncomfortable.
Especially when it’s close to home.