Victim Blaming – Why People Blame Victims of Sexual Violence

Whether it’s in day to day conversations or the media, there are all sorts of ways that people blame victims of sexual violence. They might ask what the victim did to invite the harm, or they might point out a supposed weakness or difference that could have made them a target. This behaviour is called victim blaming, and it’s extremely common. It’s important to be aware of it so that we can do what we can to change it.

Why people blame victims

One reason people victim blame is because they think that there are specific things that people can do to avoid being harmed. This belief is comforting, and it helps people feel confident that they are safe. Another reason is that people don’t want to believe that their friends and family members are capable of harmful behaviour. This can make them doubt or even firmly reject any information that contradicts their biases, including information about domestic violence or rape.

Finally, people may victim blame victims because of their own distorted beliefs about how the world works. They might think that the victims are somehow deserving of their abuse, because they have made bad choices in life or because of how they act. This thinking can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, and it may also reinforce the perpetrator’s belief that they are justified in their actions.

Victim blaming can have devastating effects on survivors of trauma. It can delay their healing, and it can make them less likely to report the crime or seek help. It can increase their unhelpful emotions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also cause them to believe that their therapists or other health professionals won’t believe them.

In some cases, it can also make survivors feel less safe in their communities. They might be less willing to go out at night or spend time with their peers for fear of being judged. This can have a long-term impact on mental health and social well-being, and it’s important to understand the root causes of these harmful responses.

The first person a survivor confides in after experiencing a trauma can play a major role in how they recover. It’s essential to listen to them, to tell them it’s not their fault and to direct them toward safe support systems.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the world is not fair and that anyone can be victimized at some point in their lives. It’s important to recognise that we all have biases, and to challenge them when they are harmful. By avoiding victim blaming and learning to be more open and understanding, we can all contribute to a society where violence is not tolerated.