What is Institutional Betrayal?

Institutional Betrayal can be defined as “wrongdoings committed or perpetrated by an institution upon individuals who are dependent on that institution” (Smith & Freyd, 2013). 

Many protective parents experience Institutional Betrayal when they seek help from the systems that are put in place to protect us - such as our family court system, the police, child protective services / child welfare AND they fail to protect, support, believe, or respond appropriately to us. 

This includes failing to address abuse, silencing victims and enabline the further abuse of victims-survivors.  

The betrayal and trauma can even cause people to attempt suicide.