Norma Does Not Lie: On Believing Women The Paris Review Daily “It’s a small step toward change, but it’s crucial: to listen to the abused, to believe them, to side with all those who speak out. To warn the abusers: we believe what the survivors said. We see what you did, ‘senza nube e sense vel’ (without cloud or veil). That’s why Adalgisa’s choice is so moving: through her own suffering and love she tells Norma, I believe you. You are my friend. We’ve both been hurt, so I choose you.” Back to Essays & Stories