Sexual abuse is mostly taboo in Naga society. Why do so many survivors feel silenced? Nagaland is deeply bound to traditional and communal values, which prioritize harmony within the community above personal experiences, with the church playing a significant role in shaping society’s norms. The silence after a survivor’s experience is typically maintained to preserve the family and community’s honour. Sexual abuse is not only an individual experience but also a reflection of the family’s reputation as a whole. The silence can be attributed to a combination of silence imposed by self, social pressure, and the lack of support from institutions. Certain survivors silence themselves in order not to incur personal shame or dishonour, while others are pressured by societal norms to maintain the community’s reputation. Thus, silence becomes a dual burden; a mechanism to avoid personal shame and excommunication from society. To break the silence, survivors must undergo a healing process instead of suffering in silence. Contrary to healing, the status quo rather is the survivor must keep everything inside and suffer silently.

This Master thesis will seek to explore the silence of women survivors and examine ways in which the church, as a community, can be an agent of healing for survivors, emphasizing its ability to provide psychological and spiritual healing as well as advocacy.