Victim Blaming

Victim blaming is any language or action that implies (either intentionally or unintentionally) that a victim of abuse, assault or crime is partially or fully responsible for what has happened to them. It is not only harmful but can also make victims feel shame, guilt or responsibility for the abusive behaviour. This can discourage victims from speaking up, seeking help and recovery or from contacting the police. It can increase feelings of post-traumatic stress, depression and health issues in survivors. Victim blaming is often perpetrated by people the victim knows and trusts such as their friends, family and colleagues. In some cases, it is the perpetrator themselves.

There are a number of reasons why people victim blame, including an inability to empathize with the situation and a fear reaction triggered by the human drive for self-preservation. Hamby and Gilin suggest that it could also be due to a lack of training in empathy or an unwillingness to see things from perspectives other than one’s own. A common victim blaming response is asking the victim what they should have done differently. This is a question that can be difficult to answer without falling into the trap of victim blaming, as it implies that there was something the victim should have done or shouldn’t have done to prevent their abuse. Questions that start with “why” are particularly likely to be interpreted as blaming the victim.

The world is a dangerous place and bad things can happen to anyone, so it can be hard to accept that abuse and other tragedy can occur to those we love and respect. This can lead to a belief that bad things only happen to bad people, which in turn leads to victim blaming.

It is important to remember that when someone you know and trust tells you about their experiences with violence, abuse or other traumas, it takes a great deal of courage for them to share these stories. When these stories are met with victim blaming, it can reduce their willingness to speak up again, or even seek help for the psychological and emotional aftermath of trauma. It can also heighten symptoms of PTSD, depression and suicidal thoughts in survivors.

Victim blaming can also be reinforced by cultural and social beliefs, such as the belief that males are more violent than females and that those who break traditional gender roles are more likely to be abusive. It is therefore important to challenge these beliefs, so that they do not influence our responses.

It is a complex issue, but the first step in stopping victim blaming is to realise that it is not acceptable. We can take steps to support victims and survivors by being open to hearing their stories, believing them, and reassuring them that it is never their fault. It is also important to educate others and encourage them to challenge victim blaming when they see it in the media or hear it from other people.