Why Abuse Victims Stay Silent: Betrayal Trauma & the Cesar Chavez Allegations

Multiple women told The New York Times that Mexican American civil rights hero Cesar Chavez assaulted them decades ago, including when some were just girls, one as young as 13. Over their multiyear investigation, published on March 18, 2026, journalists at the paper found “extensive evidence” of that abuse by poring over historical records and conducting interviews with more than 60 people.

The allegations against Chavez have prompted a wave of questions, not least of which is: why did these women remain silent for so long? Understanding the psychological toll of betrayal trauma may offer some insight into this complex dynamic.

The Weight of Betrayal: Why Silence Endures

Among the women who disclosed abuse by Chavez, Dolores Huerta described seeing him “as my boss, as my hero, as, you know, somebody that would do the impossible.” Debra Rojas said, “I had love for him … He did his grooming very well.”

When abuse is perpetrated by someone trusted and depended upon, the resulting betrayal compounds the trauma. This is the core concept behind betrayal trauma theory. The theory posits that the violation of trust creates a unique and particularly damaging form of psychological harm.

Victims who rely on their abusers – whether for economic security, social standing, or even emotional support – face immense pressure to minimize or conceal what has happened. Disclosure can carry significant risks, including the loss of essential resources or relationships. For children, disclosing abuse by a caregiver or community leader can jeopardize their basic needs. For adults, reporting abuse by an employer can threaten their livelihood.

Perpetrators often exacerbate this situation by actively distorting reality, instructing victims to remain silent, or blaming them for the abuse. This manipulation further erodes the victim’s sense of self and their ability to seek help.

Dissociation and the Fragmentation of Memory

In some cases, the trauma of betrayal can lead to dissociation symptoms and memory impairment. Dissociation is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals sense detached from their bodies, emotions, or surroundings. It can manifest as amnesia, a sense of unreality, or a feeling of being disconnected from the event itself.

Whereas seemingly counterintuitive, dissociation and memory impairment can serve a protective function, allowing victims to maintain necessary attachments and cope with overwhelming trauma in the short term. However, these effects can also complicate the process of remembering and reporting abuse later in life.

Betrayal trauma is also linked to increased shame and self-blame, as well as more severe psychological and physical health problems. These feelings can further inhibit disclosure, as victims fear judgment or believe they are responsible for what happened.

Cultural and Institutional Betrayal: Layers of Harm

The women who spoke to The New York Times also expressed fear of “tarnishing the image of a man who has become the face of the Latino civil rights movement.” This highlights the added layer of harm caused by cultural betrayal trauma.

When abuse occurs within a marginalized group, and the perpetrator is a respected figure, the pressure to remain silent is amplified. Victims may fear damaging the collective reputation of their community or undermining a larger social justice movement.

institutional betrayal – when institutions such as churches, schools, or unions fail to address abuse or respond appropriately – can exacerbate the harm. This can erode trust in systems that are supposed to protect and support victims, leaving them feeling isolated and powerless.

Anticipating Disbelief and Blame

Ana Murguia, one of the women who came forward, told The New York Times that she believed she would be blamed for the abuse. Dolores Huerta expressed similar fears, stating that she “feared that no one within the union would believe her.”

These fears are not unfounded. Research consistently demonstrates that victims of abuse often face disbelief, victim-blaming, and other negative reactions when they disclose what happened. These responses can further traumatize victims and discourage others from coming forward.

A study asking college women who had experienced sexual victimization about their reasons for remaining silent identified four common themes: shame, guilt, or embarrassment; minimizing the event; fear of consequences; and a desire for privacy. These factors underscore the complex web of emotions and concerns that can prevent victims from seeking help.

The Path to Healing: Connection and Courage

Despite the profound challenges, healing from betrayal trauma is possible. Research suggests that connection and care are essential components of recovery.

Creating supportive environments where victims feel safe and believed is crucial. Training service providers to respond with empathy and understanding can also make a significant difference.

institutions have a responsibility to act with courage and transparency in the wake of abuse allegations. This includes establishing clear reporting mechanisms, conducting thorough investigations, and taking appropriate disciplinary action. Such actions can help restore trust and prevent future harm.

Research indicates that when survivors receive tangible support, they are more likely to disclose their experiences in formal reports, potentially leading to accountability and justice.