How Abuse Silences — and How We Unmute

“Abuse doesn’t just wound — it whispers lies that keep us from speaking.” – S.A.AAbuse doesn’t always begin with shouting.It often begins with silence — strategic, subtle, soul-crushing silence.The silent treatment.The dismissive shrug.The “You’re too sensitive.”The punishment that comes not with bruises… but with the withdrawal of love, approval, or safety.Over time, we learn:Speaking up = danger.Asking questions = consequences.Having emotions = too much.We begin to self-edit.To walk on eggshells.To dim, to doubt, to disappear.