We’ve all heard it: “Just forgive and forget.” Or worse: “Forgive for your own peace. Let karma handle the rest.”
But what do you do when the harm was real, the consequences were none, and the person just keeps doing damage—unchecked and unbothered?
This post is for every survivor, every single parent, every person who’s been betrayed, abandoned, or manipulated, and told to take the high road while their abuser walks free.
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Let’s Start with the Truth About Hate and Forgiveness
You are allowed to feel hate. You are allowed to feel angry.
Those feelings are natural responses to betrayal, abuse, and injustice. What matters is what you do with them.
- Forgiveness doesn’t mean silence.
- Forgiveness doesn’t mean letting someone off the hook.
- Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what happened to you or others.
True forgiveness—if and when it comes—is about releasing yourself from their grip, not protecting them from the consequences of their actions.
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When Abusers Face No Consequences
Some people lie, steal, abandon their children, dodge child support, manipulate others, consistently break contracts and leases, exploit the system, and repeat the pattern. They do it because they know they can. They know the legal system is overwhelmed, and financial abuse isn’t taken seriously. Survivors are often too exhausted to keep fighting.
But here’s the truth:
You can forgive and still demand justice.
You can release hate and still hold someone accountable.
You can protect your peace and still speak up when others are being harmed.
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What Can You Actually Do?
Whether you’re a single parent chasing child support or a survivor of emotional or financial abuse—this is what actionable justice looks like:
1. PROTECT YOUR SAFETY
2. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
3. USE THE SYSTEM (Even If It’s Flawed)
4. SEEK LOW-COST LEGAL SUPPORT
5. PUSH FOR CONSEQUENCES
6. SPEAK OUT STRATEGICALLY
7. ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE (SB 844)
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Why SB 844 Matters
Florida Senate Bill 844 (2025) aimed to include coercive control in domestic violence definitions. It was indefinitely postponed in May 2025.
We need to bring it back. And we need to keep fighting for a justice system that sees financial and emotional abuse for what it is—not just technicalities, but violence.
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You’re Not Waiting on Karma—You ARE the Consequence
Karma isn’t a guarantee. But you?
You can be the reason someone stops getting away with it.
You can be the voice that shifts the narrative.
You can be the one who says: “Not this time.”
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Call to Action:
• Read a high-level overview of SB 844
• Watch for our summer series on coercive control, economic abuse, and legislative advocacy
• Join the movement to bring SB 844 back—and make sure survivors are heard, seen, and protected
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Disclaimer: This content is for advocacy, educational, and informational purposes only. It does not allege or accuse any individual of illegal conduct and is not a substitute for legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney for your specific circumstances.