How many of us can relate to this?

Copied part of an article here, from the following page:

http://littleredtarot.com/creating-communities-care-myths-facts-around-exposing-abuse/#comment-54060

"Myth: People who come forward about abuse are usually angry, vindictive, power seeking, wanting to punish abusers, or are overreacting. Fact: People who come forward about abuse usually do so out of concern for the safety of their community and concern for other possible victims.

Coming forward about abuse is not an easy decision. Victim blaming narratives and cultural lack of education about abuse make it so that a survivor coming forward risks being re-traumatized, forced to constantly retell and divulge details of their own abuse. They risk having their experience called into question. Myths that emotional, financial, or psychological abuse is not real or as serious influence even well-meaning people’s capacity to take survivors seriously. Misunderstandings about why victims stay with their abusers lead to victim-blaming mentalities.

In addition, all of these realities are already embedded in the consciousness of the survivor who, in all likelihood, is already blaming themselves.Not being believed, being re-traumatized, and risking losing friends and community are all very serious risks that survivors take for very little personal benefit. Exposing abuse doesn’t advance careers; there is no monetary gain, no increase of social status. In fact, in some situations, coming forward may put these things at risk.

But the benefits of exposing abuse on a larger scale are much greater for the community at large in the long term, including:Protecting potential future victims by warning them about the abusive individual’s behavior Encouraging an abusive individual to engage in efforts towards accountability.

Starting a community dialogue about abuse and constructing the ways in which the community deals with abusers in the future, Strengthening ties between survivors and their allies, Exposing those who choose to enable and refuse to make meaningful personal change to end rape and abuse culture. These outcomes can provide some level of healing to a survivor, but the fact is that this cannot take back the abuses they have suffered, or the impact on their lives and relationships. Survivors know this. They know the risks of coming forward are great. With some exceptions, most survivors choose to come forward because they are concerned with protecting others, breaking the silence around rape and abuse, and putting an end to rape and abuse culture."