Twyla_B's Pictures

About a month and a half ago, I did exactly what they tell you to do: I reported someone for harassing me. I followed every rule, spoke up for myself, and trusted that the system would protect me. But what happened? I was the one who got silenced. The victim. Punished. Meanwhile, the person who harassed me faced no consequences. He walked away as if nothing had happened. They keep repeating, “Report abuse. Speak up.” But for what? So we can be punished for having the courage to stand against wrongdoing? So we can be silenced for daring to say, “This is not okay”? I am exhausted by the endless cycle of being told to stay quiet while those who cause harm continue without accountability. I am tired of a system—and the moderators who are supposed to enforce it—failing the very people they claim to protect. Moderators, where were you when I needed support? Where were you when I followed your instructions and reached out for help? Instead of justice, I received silence, or worse, I was treated as the problem for refusing to stay quiet. This is not protection. This is complicity. But let me make one thing clear—I will not let this experience break me. I will not shrink or let anyone make me feel small. I refuse to remain a victim. I am determined to be someone who rises above the silence, who refuses to be defined by the injustice of others. I want every victim to know: your feelings are valid, your anger and your sadness are justified, and your voice has power—even when they try to take it from you. No one gets to decide who you are except for you. Turn their attempts to silence you into your strength. Let your pain become your power. You are not alone, and you are stronger than they ever expected.