Breaking the Silence: Let’s Talk About Stigma Around Intimate Partner Violence

When we hear "intimate partner violence," many of us picture "other people" or "other lives." But the truth is, it can happen to anyone. And despite all the awareness, there's still a heavy stigma attached to being a survivor.

As a survivor myself, I know the weight of that silence. The shame, the fear of judgment, the question of "why didn't you just leave?"—it's all part of the stigma that keeps too many trapped.

Why Stigma Hurts More Than We Realize

The silence around intimate partner violence doesn’t just hurt the victims—it protects the abusers. When we shame survivors, we teach others to stay quiet. When we avoid the topic, we let cycles of abuse continue behind closed doors.

The truth is, healing starts when we stop judging and start listening. Survivors don’t need pity; they need support, understanding, and space to rebuild their confidence and sense of self-worth.

A Survivor’s Truth

I spent years believing I had to "hold it together," pretending everything was fine. But healing began the moment I told my story—the moment I realized I wasn’t alone and didn’t have to be ashamed of my survival.

Now, through Women of Refined Gold, Inc., we help others find that same freedom—reminding them that what happened to them does not define them. They are not their bruises, not their past, and not their pain. They are worthy of love, peace, and a life that feels safe again.

What We Can All Do to End the Stigma

Every time we replace judgment with empathy, we chip away at the walls of shame that keep survivors from healing.

• Listen without judgment. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is “I believe you.”

• Choose compassion over curiosity. Survivors don’t owe anyone details of their trauma.

• Speak up. Challenge harmful comments or jokes that minimize abuse.

• Educate others. The more we know, the more we can help break the silence.

In Closing

Stigma thrives in silence—but hope rises when we speak truth.

If you’re a survivor, please hear me: You are not alone. You are not to blame. You are not broken.

At Women of Refined Gold, we see you, we honor your strength, and we’re here to walk beside you on your journey to freedom.