Swallowed

Many survivors of violence—both women and men—carry their pain quietly, often choosing not to talk about it. Instead of expressing what happened, they tend to “swallow” the experience, holding it inside. This silence often comes from fear, shame, or pressure to stay strong and move on. But even when the experience is unspoken, it still impacts them deeply, influencing their lives in ways others may not see. In a way, the silence itself becomes a heavy burden, making it harder to heal. The longer the story stays untold, the harder it is to move past the hurt.