Roxane Gay, in her book "Hunger," highlights the struggle many victims face when it comes to sharing their experiences. She argues that the prevailing narrative often favors the perspective of the accused ("he said") over the victim's truth ("she said"). This discrepancy contributes to a culture where survivors feel compelled to keep silent, fearing their voices will be overshadowed or dismissed.
The repercussions of this silence can be profound, leading to emotional and psychological issues like depression and addiction. Gay suggests that the unexpressed truths fester within individuals, creating various manifestations of pain due to the inability to share their stories. The lingering effects of these unvoiced experiences underscore the need for society to prioritize and validate survivors' voices.