Phonetic Pronunciation: VIK-tim BLAY-ming

Definition:

Victim blaming is when responsibility for harm is shifted from the perpetrator to the victim. While often associated with sexual assault, it also occurs in cases of domestic violence, poverty, accidents, and other forms of victimization. It can discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help, while supportive, non-blaming responses improve recovery and well-being.

History:

Victim blaming was coined in 1971, in the writing of psychologist William Ryan. He described it as shifting responsibility for harm from the perpetrator to the victim.

Current Usage:

Victim blaming occurs when a victim is held partially or fully responsible for the harm done to them, instead of the perpetrator.

Examples:

Situational Example: Assuming people experiencing homelessness are solely responsible for their financial struggles, ignoring and reinforcing systemic issues, inadequate allocation of resources, and underserved communities. E.g.: “They’re not working hard enough, they should just get a job.”

Sentence Example: “What did she expect? She was super drunk that night and wearing a slutty outfit - obviously she was going to get raped. I would never do that so I would never be raped.”

Perspective:

1. Victim blaming is commonly interpreted as someone treating a person who has experienced sexual violence like it was a result their behaviour, appearance, or choices rather than the actions of the perpetrator.

2. In reality, victim blaming occurs in more scenarious than just sexual violence. This includes domestic violence, poverty, physical assault, property crimes, accidents, violence against sex workers, and more. E.g.: “What did they expect leaving their car unlocked?” (property crime), “Why didn't you just leave the relationship sooner?” (domestic violence), “Why didn't they fight back?” (assault), “she’s a sex worker, she should’ve expected it”, or blaming a cyclist for being hit because they lacked reflective clothing, while ignoring a driver’s traffic violation (accident).

Did You Know?

Statistics Canada reports that more than 1,200 sexual assaults occur daily in Canada, yet fewer than 10% are reported. When it comes to sexual harassment, catcalls, and stalking, the numbers are even lower. Fear of being victim-blamed, shamed, or disbelieved is a major barrier to reporting and seeking help. In a Canadian government survey on reporting sexual violence, 28% of survivors said police discouraged them from reporting, and 40% felt blamed or shamed during the process. In contrast, supportive responses are linked to lower rates of post-traumatic stress and depression.

Sources:

(1) Victim Blaming

(2) Victim Blaming | Sexual Assault Centre Of Edmonton

(3) Understanding victim blaming and why it’s harmful to survivors : Welsh Women's Aid

(4) Reporting to Police and Investigations - Canada.ca

(5) Stop Victim Blaming | Violence Against Women | Sexual Harassment 

(6) Ending victim blaming in the context of violence against women and girls.

Resources:

Ending victim blaming: Shifting the story from guilt to justice | Sarah Williams | TEDxSydney Youth

October 2023: Victim Blaming – What Is It and Why Does It Happen? - Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) 

Avoiding Victim Blaming – Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness & Action 

5 Reasons Why People Blame Victims | Psychology Today Canada