Episode #14 - Roadblocks for Survivors: Stigmas, Backlash, and Judgement

The Wendy M. Johnson Show

Roadblocks for Survivors: Stigmas, Backlash, and Judgments

Stigmas, backlash, and judgment hold survivors’ captive from moving forward and overcoming their past.

Stigmas have been around since the beginning of time against a victim of sexual violence.

Globally, these attitudes and beliefs perpetuate victim-blaming narratives.

Does this sound familiar? ‘What were you wearing?’ ‘Were you drinking?’ ‘Why would you make up a lie like that?’ ‘I personally know this person; he would never do that.’

These questions or comments imply that the victim's behavior or choices somehow justify or invite the abuse, placing the blame on the survivor rather than the perpetrator.

The same response has been occurring for hundreds of years. When will society’s responses ever change? I believe, one healed survivor at a time.

Stigmas are a societal creation which means it can be changed. As more and more survivors do the work to heal and not stay bound to the effects of the abuse of their past we can change and demand the narrative to change.

Why would a person blame a child for their own abuse or TELL THEM they are lying? Why wouldn’t an adult investigate beyond asking the perpetrator if they did abuse the child – which of course the perpetrator will deny.

Society is ‘lazy’ and complicit when it comes to dealing with sexual abuse. They are so worried about ‘what other people will think if there is a perpetrator in their family’ then the effects it may have on the child brave enough to speak up!

Backlash is real. I was ostracized from my family after I refused a simple bribe from my mom to keep quiet and ‘make things go back to the way they were.’ When I refused, I was ostracized, as well as lies were told to my extended family and people my parents knew.

Judgment is a fear that can last a lifetime and stop a survivor from reaching out even to trained professionals or support networks.

So, what can you do about stigmas, backlash, and judgment? You need to be able to identify what they are and how they affect you and understand there are many ways you can tear down the societal walls that hold you back.

That’s what today’s episode is all about. So, as you are going for a walk, or working out, or just having some alone time, put your headphones on and listen in private to a message that can help you overcome these societal barriers.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

- [4:37] What is a Stigma? … “Stigma is a societal creation” that involves “stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.”

- [10:00] Self-stigma is the interpretation and internalization of negative stereotypes, which may cause negative emotional reactions, such as low-self-worth, poor self-belief, and failure to seek help

- [19:52] Backlash can manifest in various forms, such as threats, intimidation, blackmail, physical harm, or social and professional repercussions. Survivors may fear that speaking out could lead to further harm, loss of relationships, job security, or damage to their reputation.

- [34:17] Fear of being judged creates barriers to survivors coming forward and seeking support.

Take your healing seriously. Don’t find yourself in the same exact spot you are in today, next year.

Listen in, get ready to take some notes, and get ready for your next breakthrough with learning how you can overcome stigmas, backlash, and judgment.

Click here to listen!

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