Betrayal is a violation of trust.

Insitutional betrayal. Occurs when "an institution causes harm by action or inaction to an individual who trusts or depends upon that institution.

• Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart p. 194

Betrayal is so painful because at its core, it is a violation of trust. It happens in relationships in which trust is expected and assumed, so when it's violated, we're often shocked, and we can struggle to believe what's happening. It can feel as if the ground beneath us has given way.

Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart p. 194

The Heart is Open