Gender-based violence: ending silence and shame Several recent trials have captured public attention, exposing abuses previously hidden or ignored. Women have always spoken out, yet their voices have often been muted, scorned, or discredited. These acts of violence are not isolated incidents; they reveal a “banality of evil” deeply embedded in our social structures. Whether in families, workplaces, or institutions, perpetrators are all too frequently protected. Breaking this cycle involves not only institutional reforms but also shifting mindsets to hear, believe, and protect those who speak up. A fairer, more equitable society cannot emerge without a break from the status quo.