How Loved Ones Can Advocate for Survivors
5- Minute Read
Learn how to become an effective ally in the fight against institutional abuse. Advocacy isn’t just for survivors—it’s for anyone who believes in justice and accountability. As a loved one, your voice can help amplify a survivor’s story and create real change in the systems that failed them.
Advocating for Survivors: One Friend’s Journey to Support and Change
When Emma finally opened up to her best friend Leah about the abuse she had endured at their church, it was a moment of both relief and heartbreak. For years, Emma had carried the burden of the abuse alone. But as she recounted the manipulation, harm, and subsequent retaliation from trusted church leaders, she still braced herself for Leah’s reaction.
For Leah, the revelation was devastating. The people Emma described were the same ones Leah had once admired—mentors who had seemed like pillars of kindness and morality. But as Emma’s voice trembled through her story, Leah felt her heartbreak give way to resolve. She didn’t know how, but she was determined to help her friend.
“I had no idea what to do at first,” Leah admitted in an interview. “I just knew I couldn’t let her go through it alone.”
A Difficult Beginning
The first step Leah took was to simply listen. Instead of offering solutions or platitudes, she allowed Emma to share her story at her own pace. Leah knew instinctively that Emma didn’t need answers—she needed to be believed.
For Emma, this simple act of validation was a lifeline. “I’d been dismissed so many times,” Emma said. “Hearing Leah say, ‘I believe you’—those words changed everything.”
Experts agree that listening without judgment is one of the most important ways to support survivors. “Survivors often feel shame and isolation, and validation can help rebuild their sense of self-worth,” says Dr. Clara Matthews, a psychologist specializing in trauma.
Finding Resources and Building Trust
As Leah continued to support Emma, she realized she needed to educate herself about institutional abuse. She began researching survivor advocacy organizations, like Brave Sunshine, and reading articles about the unique challenges survivors face. This knowledge helped her understand why Emma felt trapped—by both the emotional toll of the abuse and the systemic barriers designed to protect the institution.
“I started to see how big this issue was,” Leah said. “It wasn’t just about Emma. It was about an entire system that silenced people like her.”
One of the first resources Leah found was a directory of trauma-informed therapists. When she suggested therapy to Emma, she approached it cautiously. “I told her it was just an option, no pressure,” Leah said. “I wanted her to feel in control.”
Experts recommend this approach, emphasizing that survivors need to make their own choices about healing. “Empowerment is key,” explains Dr. Matthews. “Survivors have had their power taken away, and part of healing is regaining agency over their decisions.”
The Role of Advocacy
Leah didn’t stop at offering emotional support. As Emma began therapy, Leah shifted her focus to advocacy. She joined a local survivor support group and began sharing resources on social media. Her posts ranged from articles about institutional abuse to calls for legislative change, like extending statutes of limitations for survivors of abuse.
Advocacy can take many forms, from private support to public action. Leah discovered that even small efforts—like signing petitions or attending rallies—could contribute to systemic change.
At one community meeting, Leah spoke out against the very church leaders who had harmed Emma. “It was terrifying,” she admitted. “But I couldn’t stay silent.”
Practical Tips for Advocates
For those inspired by Leah’s story, experts recommend several practical steps to support survivors and advocate for change:
Educate Yourself - Learn about the dynamics of institutional abuse and the unique challenges survivors face. Websites like RAINN and Brave Sunshine offer resources and survivor stories.
Offer Emotional Support - Create a safe space where the survivor feels heard and validated. Avoid pressuring them to take action before they’re ready.
Help Them Find Resources - Research trauma-informed therapists, support groups, or advocacy organizations. Offer options, but let the survivor decide what feels right.
Amplify Their Voice - Share survivor stories (with their consent) and raise awareness about institutional abuse through social media or community events.
Join the Movement for Change - Support legislative efforts, such as whistleblower protections or mandatory reporting laws. Contact your representatives and advocate for policies that protect survivors.
Take Care of Yourself - Advocacy can be emotionally taxing. Make time for self-care and seek support from other advocates if needed.
A Path Forward
Today, Emma is thriving. Therapy has helped her process her trauma, and she’s found a supportive network through Brave Sunshine. Leah, meanwhile, has become a vocal advocate for survivors, using her platform to educate others and push for change.
“Supporting Emma changed my life,” Leah said. “It opened my eyes to the scale of the problem—and the power we all have to make a difference.”
Their story is a testament to the impact one person can have. By listening, learning, and taking action, loved ones can help survivors reclaim their voices and rebuild their lives. And in doing so, they can contribute to a broader movement for justice and accountability.
As Leah puts it, “You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. You just have to show up.”
You're Not Alone
Survivors of institutional abuse face extraordinary challenges, but they don’t have to face them alone. Advocates like Leah demonstrate the power of compassion, courage, and action. By supporting survivors and joining the fight for systemic change, we can create a world where abuse is no longer tolerated and every survivor is heard, believed, and empowered.
To learn more about how you can support survivors or get involved in advocacy efforts, visit Brave Sunshine’s resource page today.
Names have been changed to respect the privacy of the victim