Everyone’s experience is valid, no matter who they are.
Even perpetrators deserve empathy and understanding.
Validation to our feelings is an inherent right.
Especially because our role as perpetrator or victim did not start in one instance. Those roles may very well be woven into a fabric of systemic hierarchy.
And when we can validate someone’s experience, we can help them feel seen. We can move past blame or shame.
Perhaps validation is the first step to real change.