Nearly every case of sexual assault that reaches the media features notable examples of victim blaming.
Why?
Why is it so acceptable for police officers, judges, lawyers, school officials, peers, parents and society to judge and blame victims of sexual assault for what happens to them? No victim is every at fault for their assault. Ever.
Do you know who is at fault? The rapist.
What were you wearing?
Were you drinking?
How many people have you had sex with?
Did you flirt with them?
Why weren't you more careful?
Did you set your cup down?
You should have been prepared.
This is going to ruin [the rapist's] life.
These are just a few examples of questions/statements victims often hear. These are just a few examples of ways victims get blamed for their attacks. These are just a few examples of why women and girls are reluctant to report if they get raped or assaulted.
We need to end this culture and trend of blaming victims. Women are afraid to report their assaults because they KNOW, they don't think-- they know, that they are going to be blamed for what happened to them.
Talking about sexual assault is hard enough for victims without them being re-victimized by the people who are supposed to help them.
Victim blame is a large reason why so many sexual assaults go unreported. Victims don't feel safe reporting their assaults. Let me repeat that--RAPE VICTIMS ARE AFRAID TO REPORT THEIR RAPES BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID OF BEING BLAMED FOR IT. Why is that okay? It's not, and it needs to stop.
Wearing "revealing" clothing is not consent.
Being drunk is not consent.
Flirting is not consent.
Setting my cup down at a party is not consent.
Being sexually active is not consent.
Changing my mind after initially giving consent is still not consent to continue.
Being coerced into saying yes is not consent.
The only thing that is consent, is saying yes freely and continuing to say yes throughout the act.
Anything else is rape.
And rape is no one's fault except the rapist.
Continuing to allow and accept the blaming of victims for their assault only perpetuates the extensive rape culture alive and thriving in our country today.
By acting in any way as if the rape is the victims fault takes the blame away from the rapist. Giving even partial responsibility to the victim gives the rapist an excuse.
Sexual assault is never okay, and it is never okay to re-victimize or blame a victim for her trauma.
Sexual assault is never the victim's fault, no matter what.
It is only the rapists fault.
There are no excuses.
