There is only one crime that I can think of where the victim gets blamed. If you are mugged when you walk down the street no one will tell you that it is your fault for carrying such a nice bag. If your house gets broken into, no one will tell you that it is your fault because you didn't have an alarm system. If your car is stolen, no one will tell you that you should have known better then to buy that type of car.
If you are sexually molested or raped, you will hear that it was your fault. It will start with your own thoughts. You will blame yourself because you went running at night. You will blame yourself because you went to the party and had too much to drink. Others will blame you. You will hear that it was your fault because of what your were wearing. It was your fault because you were rebellious to your parents. It was your fault because you "led" your boyfriend on. It was your fault because you are pretty. It is your fault because you didn't fight back. It is your fault because you had a loose reputation. It is the only crime where the victim is doubted and blamed either partially or entirely.
This is not true. Even if it is true that you went running in the dark by yourself. Even if you weren't wearing appropriate clothes (whatever that is). Even if you got wasted at a party and can't remember what happened. Even if you ran away from home and were living on the streets. Even if you stayed out past curfew. Even if you lied about who you were with. Even if you invited your boyfriend into your room. Even if you said "yes" and then changed your mind. It is NOT your fault.
It goes without saying that children, girls and women are the most common victims of sexual crimes and men are the most common perpetrators. When we put the blame on the victim we are saying that men have no self control and that they are basically animals and that girls and woman are responsible for the actions of men. We all know that isn't true.
I realize that this seems really out of the blue as a post from me. It isn't. This makes my blood boil and has for years. It is the worst in religious settings. Things are glossed over and the victim is blamed. People look the other way.
I believe that the reason most sexual crimes are not reported is because the victim takes the blame. I know that there are girls and women everywhere that have pain in their hearts because they are taking the blame for what happened to them. The truth can only set your free when you know what the truth is. It wasn't your fault.
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