Dr Caroline West RECENT HORRIFIC CASES of sexual violence have brought the topic of victim blaming back into the spotlight. In some commentaries, the level of intoxication of a victim has been discussed.
It is up to all of us to challenge victim blaming and not continue to cause harm to victims. We must recognise how cruel these statements can be, and how lacking in empathy or understanding they are. In addition to the impact of sexual violence itself, victim blaming can cause enormous damage to victims, impacting their physical and mental wellness. Mental health impacts can include PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm.
This is a futile attempt to protect ourselves from the knowledge that we can do everything ‘right’ and still someone will choose to violate us. It can be easy to look at a situation that has happened and think of all the alternative ways things could have happened – but at the end of the day, we should be safe to walk down the street whenever we want, wearing what we want.
While the perpetrators will be released in a few years, the impact of their actions on the victim will stay with them for life. Therefore, extensive and accessible support services are vital for victims. Whether victims come forward immediately or years later, all victims should be able to access non-judgmental, inclusive services for as long as they need to.
The more open we are about consent and sexual violence, the more we work to empower people to learn about these topics, learn where they can get help if needed, and eliminate victim blaming. Recently, Active* Consent published a schools report detailing how almost a thousand pupils from transition year to 6th year understand consent.
This ‘social norm’ gap creates internalised peer pressures to engage in intimacies that they are not comfortable with. Finding out that other people are on the same level as you can help with being comfortable talking about consent. If you are a teacher, you can request a consent workshop for transition year to 6th year
The (male) Judge also said the victim was 'out of control' for years before the attack and these factors seemed to influence his sentencing, disregarding the absolute traumatisation of the victim.I m surprised he didn't offer the perp the option of marrying her instead of prison
Doctorate in sexuality studies. lol. Women and girls routinely behave stupidly and put themselves in danger and no amount of wishy washy guff from people like her changes that. Yes, the perp is to blame for the crime but you are responsible for your own safety, ladies. 😬
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