When Leaders Forget Autonomy: A Reminder from Survivors Who’ve Had Enough

For Survivors, who are used to having their autonomy taken or dismissed, this can feel particularly uncomfortable.
Leaders — whether public figures, advocates, or policymakers — would be wise to remember that there are many Survivors in every community.

Survivors of abuse, assault, manipulation, medical neglect, spiritual coercion — they are everywhere: in pews, in classrooms, in offices, in political spaces, in families.

When people speak as if others should simply accept their priorities or follow their version of “what’s right,” they risk re-traumatizing those still learning to trust their own voice.

In the United States, too many have forgotten that autonomy is not optional — it is foundational.
Every person deserves the dignity of choice: how to heal, what to believe, what to support, and how to move forward.

For Survivors, the ability to make independent decisions is not a luxury. It’s restoration.

Healing is not about everyone thinking the same way.
It’s about creating enough space for each person to finally think freely.