Victim Blaming

Victim blaming is any comment, question or action that implies that the victim was partially or fully responsible for the crime they suffered. This is a common and harmful reaction to trauma, and it can prevent victims from getting the help and justice they need.

The victim-blaming culture isn’t just about rape or sexual assault, it can also be present in more mundane cases such as someone being pickpocketed. People may not even realize they are doing it, but when a friend or family member hears about a crime and starts to wonder what the victim could have done differently to avoid the attack or protect themselves, this is often a form of victim blaming.

There are many reasons why people participate in victim blaming. One reason is that they believe the world should be fair and, therefore, if bad things happen to good people it must be their fault (known as the “just-world phenomenon”). Another reason is that people use victim blaming as a way to deal with their own uncomfortable feelings such as shame. They feel better about themselves by putting the blame on someone else, and this is known as projection.

Another reason is that, in some cases, people engage in victim blaming to protect their own sense of innocence. They believe that it is unfair for bad things to happen to good, virtuous people and they may be trying to maintain the illusion that good people do not get hurt or killed. Lastly, some people engage in victim blaming to justify their own actions, such as by rationalizing their crimes against others.

It is important to recognize that victim blaming can be perpetrated by anyone, including friends and family members, coworkers and acquaintances. It can also be perpetrated by those who are supposed to support and care for victims, such as therapists or prevention advocates, when they inadvertently make a victim feel at fault by recommending ways for them to be more careful to avoid a crime, for example.

Whether the victim is being blamed by people in their personal or professional lives, it can have a profoundly negative impact on them and can discourage them from seeking out the care and support they need. It can also keep them from reporting their experiences to authorities, which is a necessary step in holding offenders accountable for their crimes.

The next time someone you know tells you about a traumatic event, listen to them and remind them that what happened was never their fault. You can be the first person to tell them that and make a difference in their recovery process. If you are a professional, be aware of the victim-blaming culture and be sure to challenge it in your practice. You can also provide helpful information to survivors about the effect that victim blaming has on them and how they can take control of their own healing journey.