Should victims be blamed?

Kaajal Gunputh Kaajal Gunputh Jan 14, 2019 947 0

Should victims be blamed?

Should victims be blamed?

The answer is a big NO!!!

Last time, I was having a discussion regarding a sexual molestation case with a group of friends when suddenly one of them said “The girl is obviously stupid, why she went out with him alone?” I was there, completely stunned by her words. She was questioning why a girl went out with her friend whom she has known over three years now; alone for a dinner. After her statement, I started questioning myself as to why a privileged, educated and mature 24 year old female would blame the victim and try justifying an act of rape.

Later on, I realized that maybe it is not solely her fault. We have been raised in a society where sexual violence is no longer a big deal and rapes and molestation cases are being excused and normalized by both the society and the media to some extent. Our society is responsible for a ‘rape culture’ where women are taught to avoid getting raped instead of men being taught not to rape. This is disgraceful and we all should be outraged by it.

Yes, I definitely agree with you that men are also vulnerable to sexual abuse, but for this particular moment, I am focusing on sexual abuses faced by women. Victims are often seen just as guilty as the abusers or in some cases even more guilty.

 

But the fact remains that sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. No one is out there seeking to be raped.



 If the abuser would have missed one particular victim, he would have definitely got another one or maybe get the same victim on another occasion. Sexual assault is a violent attack on an individual not an act of sexual passion, and no one asks for or deserves this type of attack.

Blaming the victim not only has social and mental implications but it also makes it harder for other victims to come forward and report their assaults. Sometimes, family and friends also choose to blame the victim. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are blaming the victim, I want you to remember that while blaming the victim, you are supporting the perpetrators of this horrific act!

Any sexual activity without consent can be labeled as rape and sexual molestation. Rapes within relationships are extremely common and in this case, victim blaming is more frequent. According to a survey, between 10-14% of married women will be raped at some point during their married life. One common thought or excuse given to it is usually “she must have done something wrong for him to behave this way.” We are living in a society where a husband or boyfriend has the right to do anything and even though times are changing, women are now more educated and aware of their rights, but the habit of living in such a society is still prevailing, and we tend to let go of injustices being faced in a relationship.

What can we all do to help end the ‘rape culture’?

  • First and foremost: Never make assumptions
  • Always take a rape or sexual molestation accusation seriously
  • If someone opens up to you, support them to come forward
  • Speak up when women are being objectified
  • Stop asking what was the victim wearing or whether she was drunk
  • Bring a conversation regarding the topic on the table with the women of your life.

We need your help to eliminate the belief that these conversations are too uncomfortable. Share it with your friends and speak up along with us.


Together, we can end the rape culture!
 

 

 

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