Systemically Silenced
When Institutions Protect Predators and Silence Survivors
Systemically Silenced
When power whispers a predator’s name,
In sacred halls of faith and fame,
The sins concealed, the shadows grow,
Institutions guard what they dare not show.
A father’s crime, a church’s blind eye,
An elder’s role is a sanctioned lie.
A coach who breaks more than just a rule,
His wins outweigh and ridicule.
In college dorms, where shame takes root,
Her pain was ignored, his future absolute.
”Take time away,” they softly say,
Protecting him, sending her astray.
Respected men with hymns crossing their lips,
Hands defiled where innocence is stripped,
”Misunderstanding,” they patronize,
Gaslighting truth before her eyes.
Forgiveness weaponized, a holy mask,
Covering monsters behind pastoral tasks,
”He’s paid his dues,” they righteously claim,
While children tremble, forgotten, unnamed.
In therapy rooms designed for healing,
Where trust should bloom through gentle shielding,
One twisted healing for sexual gain,
While another crushed her spirit’s flame.
Trafficked souls, exchanged like goods,
Passed through systems, misunderstood.
There is no justice here, no healing light,
Just endless chains that bind us tight.
And when the abusers rise to lead,
Appointing those of similar creed,
Who cover, protect, and perpetuate,
The violence they proliferate.
Why am I shocked? her spirit cries,
As corruption wears its thin disguise.
In churches, schools, and halls of power,
Silence blooms while in a corner she cowers.
Yet from these shadows, strength takes flight,
Her voice grows steady amidst the plight.
Though truth brings storms of disbelief,
She writes her story and claims relief.
