Victim Blaming

Victim blaming is a common tactic of abusers, but it’s also used by people who are supposed to care about victims. It takes the focus off of the perpetrator and places it on the victim, creating a sense that they deserve to be abused. It can even make victims feel like they don’t have any options for safety and happiness in their lives, because the abusive person has convinced them that it is all their fault.

When someone blames a victim, they may make excuses for their behavior such as “They were drunk, so they didn’t know what they were doing”, or “It’s only because she’s off her meds.” They often use a combination of these tactics to create a story that makes the perpetrator seem less harmful and more likeable. In reality, these excuses serve to undermine a victim’s trust and their confidence that the authorities will protect them from further harm.

One of the main reasons that victim blaming happens is because it reinforces our belief that the world is a fair and just place where we get what we deserve, so it feels safe to assume that when something bad happens to a victim, it must be their fault. Other factors that play into this include our desire not to believe that the actions of someone we know can be harmful, or even that someone we know could become a predator. It can also be a form of schadenfreude, or taking pleasure in another person’s misfortune.

It’s especially difficult for victims to share their experiences of abuse if they fear the reaction of others. This can keep them from reaching out for help and preventing their attackers from being held accountable. The fear of victim blaming can cause victims to isolate themselves and increase their risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and suicidal thoughts, according to GoodRX.

In addition to causing unhelpful emotions for victims, victim blaming can also be dangerous to the health and well-being of society. It can lead to fewer reports of sexual assault and other crimes, which allows predators to avoid punishment. It also keeps victims from being treated appropriately, as it can discourage them from seeking medical or psychological assistance.

Victim blaming can be found in many different settings, including courtrooms and media outlets. It is a complex issue that involves many different facets, but it’s important to recognize that it exists and take steps to address it.