When you come across a title like this, you might think, “Duh, isn’t it 2023?” Yet, despite the fact that many of us believe this, victim blaming still runs rampant in our society and online every single day. What is it about our world that makes us want to scrutinize those who have already suffered? Is it because if the victim erred in some way, we can convince ourselves we’re safe from a similar fate?
Take, for example, a woman who is assaulted and is told she was “asking for it” because of her outfit. We’d never do that. A child gets bullied, and people start judging the kind of backpack he carries. We’d never let our kids be in that position. A same-sex couple faces violence for simply showing affection in public. We’d never do that. A teenage girl is attacked at a Halloween party, and the blame shifts to her for attending. We’d never do that. Survivors of domestic violence are asked why they stayed with their abuser. We’d never do that. A college student is assaulted after drinking too much, and suddenly it’s her fault. We’d never do that.
Even public figures echo these sentiments. A well-known personality once claimed that his daughter wouldn’t allow herself to be harassed in the workplace. We’d never do that.
It’s absurd. Research shows that nearly half of victims don’t report violent crimes due to feelings of shame or fear of a flawed system. It’s unacceptable to blame victims and allow rapists, abusers, and bullies to escape accountability simply because we want to protect the offenders’ futures. Sorry, bad people, but their futures don’t matter more than a victim’s right to safety and justice.
The internet is a loud place, but I genuinely believe that the majority of people are good at heart. It’s time for the decent folks to raise their voices and change the conversation.
Let’s be clear:
- A woman is assaulted because a man chose to assault her.
- A child is bullied because the bully hasn’t learned empathy.
- A same-sex couple is attacked because an intolerant individual is grappling with their own issues.
- A teenage girl is raped because those boys are criminals and should face the consequences.
- A domestic abuse survivor is victimized because of an abuser’s choices.
- A college student is assaulted because a man made that choice, and he must be held accountable.
Even the daughter of a public figure is just as vulnerable to workplace harassment as any other woman. It is our duty—both as parents and as a society—to shift the narrative. We must focus on the actions of perpetrators rather than the supposed failings of victims. If we do this, perhaps more victims will find the courage to speak out, knowing that the system will support them rather than blame them.
Let’s work together to create a safer world for future generations. It’s time to speak up!
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Summary
Victim blaming is an outdated and harmful practice that needs to be addressed. It’s essential to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions instead of shifting the blame onto victims. By changing the narrative and supporting those who have suffered, we can create a safer environment for everyone.