Breaking the silence: an essential step to initiate paths of reconciliation in abusive dynamics

Abstract

We are becoming increasingly aware of the complexity of abuse within the ecclesial environment, as it not only affects structures but, above all, fosters an abusive culture. In line with the proposal of sociologist Johan Galtung, a transformation is required that brings us closer to a culture of care that replaces the culture of abuse and that is characterised, among other traits, by reconciliation. In order to achieve this goal, it is essential to break a way of living in silence that distorts its life-generating potential and affects victims, perpetrators and all members of the communities where abuse takes place. In this paper, after presenting Galtung’s proposal and the need to face the culture underlying abuse, I will highlight the role that a misguided experience of silence plays in perpetuating an abusive culture and emphasise the importance of breaking this silence to pave the way for cultural transformation.