Injustice trauma is a deep, emotional wound that often starts in childhood and continues to affect individuals into adulthood. It typically arises from relationships where one's identity is suppressed, where they face discrimination, or where their needs are disrespected—often within the family. The most significant sources of this trauma are typically parents, who fail to recognize the uniqueness of their child and impose unrealistic expectations that the child can never meet.

As a result, the child feels as though their rights and needs are being violated, their requests and demands dismissed, and their existence devalued. Over time, they develop a belief that they, as a member of society, have no value. To survive in a world that feels indifferent to their existence, they begin to believe that achieving anything requires meeting the expectations of those higher in the social hierarchy. This belief forces them to suppress their own desires and opinions, prioritizing compliance and subordination.

The Roots of Injustice Trauma

Injustice trauma typically stems from childhood experiences where a child's needs are ignored or invalidated. This suppression can come in many forms. For example, a parent might tell their child, “You're a boy, real men don't cry,” thus denying the child the right to express emotions. The child learns that emotions are to be suppressed, that expressing vulnerability is wrong, and this lesson often carries over into adulthood. The child learns to pride themselves on suppressing feelings, even in situations where expressing them might help ease the emotional burden.

As children grow, these feelings of inadequacy and resentment are often carried into adulthood. They become ingrained in the way the individual relates to the world around them. The trauma of injustice leads to stubbornness, a refusal to acknowledge others' perspectives, and an overemphasis on power dynamics. Injustice trauma shapes how individuals interact with authority figures, peers, and even romantic partners. With those higher in the hierarchy, they are subservient, trying to win approval. With equals, they compete for dominance, and with those they view as "lower," they often express indifference or coldness.

How Injustice Trauma Affects Relationships

One of the most prominent consequences of injustice trauma is the belief that relationships, whether romantic or otherwise, are about fulfilling others' expectations, not personal desires. People with this trauma often prioritize others' needs over their own, believing that love, respect, and validation can only be earned by meeting the demands of those in positions of power.

For example, if a woman is told as a child that “a real woman should sacrifice her happiness for the good of her family”, she may carry this belief into adulthood. She may suppress her own needs and feelings to please her partner, seeing herself as less important than the other person in the relationship. This belief that one’s worth is only valid when conforming to someone else’s expectations becomes ingrained, leading the person to stay in unhealthy relationships and constantly trying to prove their value by sacrificing their own needs.

Injustice trauma leads people to engage in behaviors that seem like heroism but are rooted in self-sacrifice and seeking validation from those in power. For example, someone might go into a dangerous situation just to prove their courage or sacrifice their happiness in relationships to show their commitment, all in a bid to be seen as "good" in the eyes of those with power. But deep down, they are trying to fill a void created by early childhood experiences of rejection, invalidation, and inequality.

Power, Control, and the Trauma of Injustice

A common theme for those with injustice trauma is the overwhelming need to gain power, respect, and control in relationships, often by seeking approval from those who are seen as “higher” in the social hierarchy. This becomes a coping mechanism, driven by the belief that they will never achieve anything unless they conform to the expectations of authority figures.

The individual with injustice trauma often struggles with authority. They may try to gain approval from those with power, even if it means sacrificing their own well-being or dignity. They may also become rigid in their beliefs, rejecting any input from those they deem as "lower" in status. These individuals often experience an ongoing struggle between maintaining their sense of power and conforming to the roles they’ve been forced into, leading to an internal conflict that can affect their mental health and relationships.

This need to conform and please those in power can manifest in both personal and professional life. People who have experienced injustice trauma often feel that their opinions, needs, and feelings are less important than those of others, and this belief can lead them to suppress their voice in the face of adversity, further perpetuating the cycle of trauma.

The Societal Impact of Injustice Trauma

On a larger scale, injustice trauma doesn't just affect the individual; it impacts society as a whole. When a society is structured around a hierarchical system where only those at the top are valued, it fosters an environment where everyone below feels undervalued and disconnected. People with injustice trauma often engage in power struggles to survive, dividing society into groups where norms are based on manipulation, compliance, and subordination. As a result, society becomes fragmented, with each group fighting for validation, making it harder for people to understand one another and form meaningful connections.

This fracture is especially apparent when individuals who have suffered from injustice trauma try to fit in with others. They may suppress their true selves, trying to blend in with a group that shares their behaviors and beliefs, all in an effort to avoid being rejected or seen as weak. The result is a society where superficial conformity replaces genuine understanding and respect.

Breaking the Cycle of Injustice Trauma

Healing from injustice trauma requires a shift in how the individual views themselves and the world around them. The key to healing lies in recognizing the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their position in a hierarchy. For people with this trauma, it is important to let go of the belief that their worth is determined by external validation and instead focus on self-acceptance.

Education and self-awareness are crucial in breaking the cycle of injustice. People must unlearn the habits of subordination and self-sacrifice and learn to prioritize their own needs and values. It’s essential to realize that true empowerment comes from within, and that no one should have to sacrifice their dignity or self-respect to gain approval from others.

Conclusion: The Path to Healing from Injustice Trauma

The trauma of injustice is not just a personal issue—it is deeply rooted in societal structures and norms that prioritize hierarchy and control. Healing requires a radical shift in perspective, both individually and collectively. By fostering self-worth independent of external validation and working to create a more equitable society where everyone’s rights and needs are respected, we can begin to heal from the trauma of injustice. It’s essential to create an environment where equality and respect are the norm, so that future generations can grow up without the emotional scars of injustice.