Victim-blaming
Updated:Victim-blaming is the act of holding a person partially or entirely responsible for sexual violence, harassment, or assault that was committed against them. This harmful practice shifts the focus away from the perpetrator's actions and onto the victim's behavior, appearance, or choices. Victim-blaming can occur in various contexts, including social interactions, media coverage, and even legal proceedings.
Additional Information
Victim-blaming attitudes are often rooted in misconceptions about sexual violence and can perpetuate rape culture. Common forms of victim-blaming include questioning what a victim was wearing, their alcohol consumption, or why they were in a particular location. These attitudes can have severe psychological impacts on survivors, potentially discouraging them from seeking help or reporting crimes.
It's important to note that no one ever "asks for" or deserves to be sexually assaulted, regardless of their actions or circumstances. The responsibility for sexual violence always lies with the perpetrator.
Examples
Asking a sexual assault survivor, "Why were you walking alone at night?"
Suggesting that a person's revealing clothing contributed to their harassment
Implying that a victim's flirtatious behavior justified unwanted sexual advances