_{The purpose of this study was to elucidate and increase understanding based on social constructivism, about individuals' processes of breaking the silence after being sexually exploited as a child. This is by examining possible patterns in the persons' processes. This knowledge should help to understand which factors cause a person not to break the silence. We collected data through a qualitative method where we read autobiographies. The selection of the autobiographies was based on individuals who broke the silence after being sexually exploited as children who were exploited before the age of 15. In order to find patterns in the autobiographies, a reading schedule was designed based on the study's question. Subsequently, categorization was formed from the autobiographies to elucidate and understand the patterns; connection, manipulation and normalization, internal conflicts, conflict of loyalty and insight. The empirical study of the study was analyzed previous research, social constructivism and the study's intended theories and theoretical concepts; Antonovsky on KASAM and Goffman's theoretical concepts of stigma and shame. Together, they created an understanding of which patterns were identified in the process of breaking the silence, and about the conditions that influence one not to break the silence. The study's conclusions are, among other things, that on the basis of KASAM, stigma and shame, we can understand that people need to achieve an inner maturity which in turn creates a greater understanding of the situation. In the process there is a need for the person to question their upbringing and its reality in order to understand and break the silence. Another conclusion is that the fear of stigma and shame are factors that make it difficult to break the silence, but which also explains why people never break the silence.}