If someone comes forward with allegations of gender-based violence (GBV), one of the first debates that erupts is whether or not the survivor is lying. However, we know that research indicates that the likelihood of allegations being false is very slim. The risks of coming forward far outweigh any “benefits” they may get.
Victims/survivors* are often risking their families, their livelihood, their credibility, and their personhood in order to bring forth these allegations, seek safety, and restart their lives. As such, many still struggle to show their support for victims/survivors because of their discomfort for what it means for the accused: that they are automatically declared guilty, and will not get a fair accountability process.