They are the subjects and co-narrators, providing composite stories that demonstrate the psychological impact of trauma and contribute to the framework of recovery, highlighting their shared paths of healing.

These figures, including names like Bessel van der Kolk and Mary Harvey, contribute to the empirical and clinical backdrop, enhancing and corroborating the research and arguments made by Dr. Herman.

Described not as enigmas but as wielders of power within social hierarchies, their actions underscore the systemic issues and silence surrounding interpersonal violence.

They are depicted as having dual roles, capable of both denying trauma or participating in collective healing through activism and public acknowledgment.

These entities shape survivor experiences through both systemic failures and potential reforms, influencing the trajectory of trauma recovery within societal contexts.