Victim Blaming is not the Solution

Why did you respond to them at the first place?  Haven’t I told you not to accept treats from strangers?   See what your greed has led you to. Don’t try to sound like an adult, you are just a kid. Remember that.  That’s why I shouldn’t have let you watch those songs on TV.   Stop imagining and making up stories. He is our relative and they have helped us a lot financially. So keep your mouth shut.  Well, you just listened to some instances of victim-blaming happening. Now, What is Victim Blaming? Victim blaming is a devaluing act that occurs when the victim(s) of a crime or an accident is held responsible — in whole or in part — for the crimes that have been committed against them. This blame can appear in the form of negative social responses from immediate family members, legal, medical, and mostly from the media and other acquaintances. This misunderstanding may lead them to believe that the child suffered it because the child left it neglected, didn’t teach them how to respond in adverse situations or even worse, weren’t strict with the child’s upbringing. As a result, it can be very difficult for victims to cope when they are blamed for what has happened to them. Questions, such as “why didn’t she just leave?” Violent acts are always choices that individuals make. Yet, it is the people who are harmed by violent acts that often receive negative responses from their loved ones. Why is it that some victims and survivors of violent crime get blamed for what has happened to them through no fault of their own? Crime victims are often scrutinized as to who they were with, what they were wearing, or what they might have done to cause the violence committed against them. The scrutiny should befall violence itself — we must speak out against those who choose to use violence as a mean. Blaming the victim makes it more difficult for the child to come forward and report the assault. On a societal level, it means fewer crimes get reported and fewer predators get prosecuted. Victim blaming also reinforces predator-like attitudes. It allows perpetrators to avoid being held accountable for their actions.Victim blaming can lead to increased and unnecessary suffering for the child. They may experience ridicule—while at the same time watching their predators avoid punishment instead of getting the justice they deserve. This may increase unhelpful emotions like shame and guilt as it delays their healing. It may also add to their toxic self-blame and remain as a scar for the rest of their lives.