The Result of Victim-Blaming

Brittany Moeske

“I deserved it” and “It’s my fault” are common phrases used by children to describe punishments to friends/family. However, the society goes to far when the words are applied to victims of horrible acts rather than children. Yet this happens all the time, every day in society, and no one notices or cares. Why is that?

Part of the problem is the belief in a “just world,” which is better known as Karma. The saying “Karma is a *****” alludes to this belief that victims have what’s coming to them. Karma means that a person’s past actions dictate their future happenings. In essence, “they have it coming because they are bad.” This is a problem. Don’t believe so? Look at rape victims and how they are treated for the proof.  

In a normal court of law, the defense has to paint their client in an angelic light- “(s)he could never do this because (s)he is a good person, a parent, active in his/her community” etc etc. We’ve all heard the lines. However, during a rape case, the defense simply has to paint the victim in such a way that (s)he is at fault. “Their clothing was provocative… They were flirting with my client… They never said “no,”… Both my client and the victim were drunk…” We’ve heard those lines to. The problem is, these lines work. Juries believe that reasons like this should absolve someone of rape. What is the defense really saying? It’s there, in between the lines. “The victim acted in such a way that (s)he brought it on themselves. They deserved it.”

 Another part of the problem is the guilt. Guilt is a powerful tool, and humans don’t function well with it. Loved ones of murder victims will grapple with survivor’s guilt, and put all the blame on the victim so as to absolve themselves. “(S)He shouldn’t have been in the park alone at night… We were in a fight so it’s not my fault I didn’t answer the phone… (S)He knew better than to go out with that person, (s)he knew they were dangerous…” We’ve heard all these lines too. Now don’t get me wrong, most families don’t blame the victim and handle their guilt differently, but that’s not always the case. And it’s the minority, the “it’s-their-fault-they’re-dead” that’s the problem with society.

There are countless other examples I can give, but these two are the strongest. So how do we fix it? First, we have to recognize it’s happening as a society. Most people are oblivious to it because they’ve been raised in this society and expect it, even if it’s only unconsciously. To fix it, society needs to consciously look at it and go “Hey, there’s something wrong here.” Nothing can be done until then, because this is not a problem that four or five people can fix. Second, we have to change the rules of the game. Defense attorneys want to defend rape by saying it’s the victims fault? Fine, but the prosecution has to come back with “Is (s)he not allowed her choice? Why should his/her clothing make her viable for rape? Are you saying your clothing makes you viable for rape?” Prosecution has to nail them at the vital point, but they won’t be taught to until society says the same thing.

Victim-blaming is a nasty business, and it’s not going to go away on its own. And the sad part is, no one will really know about it until people start reacting to it. So, now that you’ve been introduced to it, sit back and observe. Then spread the message, because it’s not going to stop until you do.