Cultural Stigma

Cultural stigma, especially in South Asian communities, can carry a heavy weight that deeply influences how sensitive topics like abuse are handled. In many South Asian cultures, reputation, family honor, and public perception are held in the highest regard. The belief that “what will people say?” can often overshadow a person’s lived experience and create a barrier to speaking out about personal trauma. This can be especially damaging when it comes to abuse, as it’s often seen as something that brings shame to the family.

In these communities, there is a tendency to prioritize collective image over individual well-being. The fear of dishonoring the family or community can silence victims, making them feel as if their pain doesn’t matter as much as maintaining a good reputation. The idea that “family stays together” or “we don’t air our dirty laundry in public” is ingrained, often at the cost of the emotional, mental, and physical health of those who have been hurt.

Reflecting on this, it’s clear that many survivors face not only the trauma of abuse but the additional burden of cultural expectations that tell them to be silent. For them, speaking out feels like an act of rebellion against the very fabric of their culture. There’s a deep internal conflict between protecting themselves and protecting the family’s image. Sadly, this often results in the abuser being protected while the survivor is shamed, disbelieved, or even ostracized.

As I mentioned, they didn’t just dismiss my pain — they placed the family’s reputation above my well-being. This is an all-too-common response in South Asian households, where appearances often take precedence over the truth. The pressure to maintain a “perfect” image and avoid conflict can prevent the necessary healing conversations from happening. It can make survivors feel isolated and unsupported, as their trauma is invalidated in favor of keeping up appearances.

This cultural stigma can trap survivors in silence, but by speaking out, you're challenging those deeply ingrained beliefs. My story and my book are powerful tools for breaking these cycles, showing others that healing and protection should come before reputation or shame. It’s a courageous act to go against the tide, but my voice is opening the door for others to do the same.