As we come to the end of the month, we are exploring the silent period of holidays, and this inspired me to think about the times when silence is not healthy, in fact, when it can feel violent.
First of all, let’s remind ourselves that violence and abuse can be silent – many abusive behaviours are psychological. When someone is controlled, humiliated, embarrassed, isolated, neglected, ghosted, gaslighted, or degraded in any way, they may be experiencing psychological abuse.
So let’s think twice before we smile after a joke was made at someone’s expense, especially if they are in the minority in our group, have unfavourable social positioning or are simply vulnerable at that moment in time.
Call it out. Check-in with them.
