In today’s world—especially in progressive spaces—many women are made to feel that if they truly care about human rights, they must stay quiet about t
In today’s world—especially in progressive spaces—many women are made to feel that if they truly care about human rights, they must stay quiet about their own safety concerns.
You’re told:
“Be kind.”
“Be understanding.”
“Be open.”
“Don’t be divisive.”
But what they’re really saying is:
Don’t speak up about what makes you uncomfortable.
Don’t question policies that may make you feel unsafe.
Don’t ask for boundaries that protect you—but might offend someone else.
Don’t trust your instincts if they don’t match the current narrative.
It’s not compassion—they’re asking for your compliance.
And this is what it all comes down to:
You’re being pushed to believe that you have to choose:
Be seen as a “good person.”
Or be seen as protective, cautious, and grounded in reality.
But that is a false choice.
Because here is the truth:
✅ You can be good and protective.
✅ You can be kind and say no.
✅ You can be compassionate and cautious.
✅ You can support others and keep yourself, your children, and other Survivors safe.
This is not about fear.
This is about wisdom.
This is about legacy.
This is about women learning—through generations of betrayal and harm—that silence does not equal peace, and boundaries do not mean hate.
So when you’re told:
“You’re overreacting.”
“You’re being exclusionary.”
“You need to be more understanding.”
Pause. Breathe. Remember:
Your boundary is not an attack.
Your instincts are not a threat.
Your protection is not a problem.
Being protective is good.
Being discerning is good.
Being firm is good.
And any movement, leader, or policy that asks you to throw away your gut to be considered “good enough”—
has lost its way.
If your voice shakes when you say “No.”
Say it anyway.
If your hands tremble when you say “This doesn’t feel safe.”
Say it anyway.
If you feel alone when you say “This boundary stays.”
Hold it anyway.
You are not wrong for protecting what matters.
You are not wrong for speaking what’s true.
And you are not less “good” because you refuse to put others above your own well-being.
🕊
– Tonya GJ Prince
WeSurviveAbuse.com | SurvivorAffirmations.com | RosasChildren.com
Share if you feel safe and ready—your voice might be the lifeline someone else needs. And if you do share, remember to cite the messenger. Words carry legacy.
