I have walked the healing path with many survivors of childhood trauma – more than I can count – over the past four decades. One of the things that has stayed with me for years is how many people describe the particular hurt and harm created by those adults who knew the abuse was happening and did nothing. Or allegedly didn’t know and stayed in denial. Or flatly denied the truth.
Not being protected hurts.
Not being believed leaves scars.
What we are witnessing in public view at this time is the exposure of unvarnished collusion and cover-up with the horror of Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime, systematic abuse of power, and those who knew, participated, kept silent, and benefitted from the harm that was perpetrated against many, many children.
I choose to believe the stories of survivors, and to hold accountable those who knew, participated, colluded and protected the perpetrators.
Just as trauma is not bound by linear time, healing is not bound by linear time. As compassionate, courageous witnesses, we have an opportunity to create healing, and an ethical obligation to insist on complete accountability.
Be a living witness. Stand up for justice. Don’t underestimate your power for resistance and healing.