When someone is subjected to a traumatic experience, the expectation is that society will rally behind the survivor, offering support, empathy, and a path toward healing. However, in reality, too often, survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of abuse are met with something much darker: blame. Instead of receiving compassion and understanding, survivors often find themselves at the center of judgment, with others questioning their actions, appearance, or behavior. The term “victim-blaming” has become an unfortunate staple in discussions about sexual assault and abuse, and it perpetuates a cycle of shame, silencing, and disempowerment.
This phenomenon is not only damaging to survivors, but it also reinforces harmful societal norms that absolve perpetrators of responsibility. So, why does victim-blaming occur, and how can we work to shift this mindset?…
