For many, it starts when you are a child.
The uncle insisting you sit on his lap, the family “friend” touching you inappropriately in the name of playing with you; and sometimes, before you even have the words to explain what is happening, you learn the hard way that people will protect an adults reputation over your discomfort.
You leave home for school, where you are supposed to be safe, and encounter the same danger from someone entrusted with protecting you.
Can you speak? No!
And even if you do, who protects you? Unless you’re walking around with a camera, it’s your word against theirs.
And most are more willing to give the accused a benefit of doubt they’d never give the accuser.
And it does not end at school. For too many women, university, work and everyday life bring another round of unwanted advances, harassment and the exhausting calculation of whether speaking up will cost them more than staying silent.
Your mothers, sisters,wives, aunties etc all have a story, they’re just silent because they embarrassed to share, and know they don’t have the evidence you require to believe them.