To Tell or Not To Tell
This is probably your biggest dilemma. There is no right answer! This is one of those decisions that must come from your heart because it will stay with you forever.
TO TELL: becomes a really complex question. Who to tell? How to tell? When and what to tell? The initial question however, is do you want to be responsible for helping yourself and others by reporting and perhaps stopping the hazing from occurring and re-occurring? To get involved means: you may be exposed to media and legal questions, and you may experience ostracism from a group or community. To tell means that you are willing to stand up and perhaps be exposed. There are ways to stay anonymous so that you will not be open to exposure, however this may not be foolproof. The danger in not telling is that you or others may be more hurt. If for example, you need medical or psychological help it is more important to get help and be healthy then it is to protect others. People who break the code of silence and come forward are sometimes frustrated but they are at least making an effort to stop others from injustice and suffering. Breaking the code of silence is one of the hardest things you may do; and it may be one of the most important and satisfying.
NOT TO TELL: this seems to be the simplest decision. After all, many parents might even advise you to "not get involved." The positive part of this choice is that you are not exposed and do not feel guilty for causing any problems for others. It may also protect you from the media or legal issues. The down side is that some people may be seriously injured, including you. Ignoring, avoiding or denying the pain and suffering will not make it go away. You may heal but the scars and after effects may go on for a long time. Even if you do not report the incident consequences may occur, such as a death, so that you will become part of an investigation. You cannot predict what may happen after a hazardous hazing.