Where to Go When No One Believes You
Escaping Isolation Through Safe Platforms
Introduction – The Pain of Not Being Believed
You did everything right.
You spoke up. You shared what happened. You trusted someone—maybe a colleague, a supervisor, a union, or HR. And still… you were met with silence, deflection, or worse, disbelief. In moments like these, it can feel as if your brain is under attack, with your thoughts and emotions overwhelmed by the experience.
This is one of the deepest wounds survivors of workplace abuse can carry—not just the harm itself, but the way the world turns away from it. When you try to explain your side, it can seem like no one is interested or listening, and people are more likely to talk about you than talk to you. Sometimes, even when you're talking, you feel dismissed or ignored.
If this is you: you are not alone. And you are not imagining things. You might guess at what you did wrong, or wonder if you even heard things correctly. Even if people aren't explicitly saying you're wrong, you can sense it in the way they respond, and the lack of listening can be as painful as outright criticism. There are safe, confidential ways to find support—even when no one around you seems to listen.
Why Disbelief Is So Common in Creative Industries
The entertainment industry is built on storytelling, charisma, and reputation—which makes abuse especially difficult to name, and even harder to prove.
Disbelief often happens because:
Power dynamics protect abusers who bring money or prestige.
“No witnesses” culture in gig work leaves survivors isolated.
Charisma is confused with character—abusers often seem “likable”.
Gaslighting convinces you it wasn’t “bad enough” to count, and can make you question your own brain and what's going on in your head, making it even harder to trust your perception.
Fear of industry backlash keeps even allies quiet.
It’s not your fault.
When You Aren't Believed or Your Concerns Dismissed
If you’ve tried to report and weren’t believed—or didn’t feel safe trying at all—your next steps should prioritize:
Confidentiality – You should be in control of what gets shared and when.
Validation – Just because someone else didn’t believe you doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
Safety – You deserve to process your experience without being retraumatized.
Options – You should never feel trapped or forced to stay silent.
It takes real effort to begin the process of healing and moving forward, especially when facing tough criticism or doubt from others.
The goal isn’t to shout louder—it’s to move forward safely, quietly, and on your own terms.
Rebuilding Confidence When You’re Doubted
When no one believes your story, it can shake your self-confidence to the core. Doubt from others—especially from a family member, friend, or someone you trust—can make you question your own reality and self-belief. But here’s the truth: actions speak louder than words, and your journey is defined by what you do next, not by what others say.
Start by focusing on your successes, no matter how small. Every step forward, every damn thing you accomplish, is proof of your strength. Life will always have challenges, but your belief in yourself will carry you through. Stop believing the negative words and opinions that certain people throw your way. Instead, decide to focus on your own goals and the vision you have for your future.
Surround yourself with family members and friends who support you and help you stay motivated. Their encouragement can be a powerful reminder that you are not alone, and that your story matters. If you don’t have that support at home, seek out positive communities—online or in person—where your experiences are heard and believed.
Remember, one believes in themselves not because the world gives them permission, but because they decide their worth. Your confidence and self-belief are the foundation for every success you’ll achieve. Stay focused, keep moving forward, and know that your actions will always speak louder than the doubts of others.
Where to Turn
Even when HR, your union, or your team fails you, there are still safe spaces to turn to. Some people find it helpful to take a course or learn from successful individuals who have overcome similar challenges, using their stories as motivation.
Digital Reporting Tools
Platforms like MyConnext.org let you:
Log incidents confidentially and timestamped.
Document patterns over time.
Report anonymously or choose when—and if—you escalate.
This allows you to create a record without exposing yourself.
Ombuds and Third-Party Listeners
Unlike HR or legal, ombuds professionals are:
Confidential.
Neutral.
Independent from management.
They’re trained to help you think through what happened and explore your options—without pressure.
Many creative unions and organizations now offer ombuds-style support, and platforms like MyConnext extend that to freelancers.
Survivor Networks and Peer Support
These are spaces created by, and for, people who’ve been where you are:
Entertainment Industry Helpline.
MyConnext Resource & Reporting Tool.
MyConnext Ombuds Office.
Hire Survivors Hollywood.
In these circles, you won’t be asked to prove anything. You’ll just be heard.
How to Document Safely (Even If You’re Not Ready to Report)
Keeping a record is one of the most empowering things you can do—even if you never submit it.
Here’s how:
Write it down: Date, time, what happened, who was there.
Use email logs: Send private notes to yourself for time stamping.
Screenshot and save: If texts or DMs are part of the story.
Store securely: Use encrypted tools with 2FA, like the MyConnext Personal Record.
You might spend time at night reflecting on the past and documenting not just what happened, but also any physical symptoms or impacts you experienced during those difficult periods.
Documentation turns gaslighting into clarity. It makes your story harder to erase—even if no one believed it the first time.
Final Thoughts – You Deserve to Be Heard
It’s easy to doubt yourself when everyone else does.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need external validation to know something harmful happened. You know. Your body knows. And that’s enough to start protecting yourself—now, not later.
Many successful people were doubted when they began pursuing their dreams, but they decided to keep going anyway. You can make that same decision to believe in yourself, even when others don’t.
So if they dismissed you… If they looked the other way… If they told you to “let it go”…
Don’t give up. Find new ears. Find safe platforms. Find people who will believe you. They exist—and they’re waiting.
