When Silence Becomes Heavy: Advocating for Our Sisters

K. N. Jackson
Oct 2, 2025
2 min read

I have witnessed women of color stay strong for their families while carrying storms no one else could see, including my mother and sister. I’ve seen women put on the brightest smile in the room, while quietly holding the weight of unsafe relationships, broken trust, and deferred dreams. It is not new hiding parts of ourselves to survive, to keep our families together, or to avoid judgment. But silence, while protective, can also become a prison.

This month, as we honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I cannot help but reflect on the ways Black women are often expected to endure. We are told to be strong for our children, to keep peace in our homes, to protect our partners, and to never let the world see the cracks. But the truth is our safety, our freedom to express ourselves, and our right to live without fear are sacred.

Domestic violence doesn’t always show up as bruises. It can be financial control, where access to money is used as a weapon. It can be emotional manipulation, isolation from friends and family, or the constant tearing down of one’s self-worth. And too often, we whisper about it behind closed doors or not at all because we fear being judged, disbelieved, or dismissed.

But here’s what I know: our silence cannot protect us, but our voices can protect each other.

So how do we advocate for one another?

We listen without judgment when a sister shares her truth.
We believe her the first time she says she feels unsafe.
We share resources—whether that’s a hotline, a safe place, or simply reminding her that she deserves to be loved without harm.
We stand in solidarity, even when the story is messy, even when it’s not what we would choose, because freedom is not about perfection, it’s about safety and dignity.

To my fellow mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends: you do not have to choose between protecting your family and protecting yourself. You are not selfish for putting your safety first. You are not weak for wanting love that doesn’t hurt. You are not alone.

This October, I encourage us all to not just wear purple, but to be louder in our love, stronger in our advocacy, and gentler in our support.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

We heal louder, together.

Affirmation: “My voice is power. My safety is sacred. I deserve love without harm”.

With harmony and light,

K. N. Jackson | Team Hermonious

Let's reflect:

How can you use your voice today to advocate for your own safety

or to stand beside a sister who needs hers restored?

Leave your comment below!