If you are a survivor of abuse you may have been silenced by your perpetrator. Join Sharri in this discussion about how being silenced by a perpetrator can be considered a form of violence causing great psychological and emotional harm although it is not legally categorized as a crime in the traditional sense. With a focus on physical, sexual, and overt abuse the profound impact of being silenced can become overlooked yet the impact is profound. Abusers employ tactics like manipulation, threats, and intimidation to intentionally keep victims silent, causing lasting and recurrent trauma. This perpetuates a destructive cycle, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue for future generations. Suppressing a person’s voice is a violation of basic human rights and freedom. The terror that abusers instill denies and restricts freedom and is a tool that is used to maintain power and control that perpetuates oppression. As an advocate for myself and others one of my passions is to be a voice for the voiceless and speak up for those who can’t yet speak for themselves and encourage survivors to find and use their voice. As part of the solution we need to first recognize the significance of this powerful form of violence and the harm that is done to be able to create environments that promote empowerment and recovery. Being silenced profoundly impacts a person's ability to make decisions for themselves and to have control over their own life. When your voice is suppressed, your thoughts dismissed, and your experiences invalidated it’s like being confined to a small, dark room where your perspective and feelings are not acknowledged, validated or respected. In abusive or toxic relationships or situations where silence is enforced, individuals lose the power to shape their own narrative. It's like having the pen taken away in the story of one’s life and their own unique experiences and perspectives are erased, resulting in a story that may not reflect the true essence of who they are.This dynamic robs them of the authority to define their own reality and make choices that align with their own needs, desires, and values. Survivors of abuse will want to hear this podcast to break the silence and go on to take back their power and their voice that was stolen from them.