Double Jeapordy: Blaming the Victim

in #psychology7 years ago (edited)


When a woman or girl is raped she is harmed both by the aggression and degradation.

If she should be brave enough to tell someone about it, the last thing she needs is further harm from friends and family. It is double jeopardy, and she pays twice: the actual physical and emotional harm caused by the assailant and the harmful words spoken by the unsympathetic pseudo-supporter.

When she thinks about or discusses an incident (or worse - multiple incidents) she needs support, and she very much needs to be able to see things clearly, not have waters muddied by some prejudiced and judgmental belief that the rape was in some way her fault.

The most important healing from traumas like rape occurs through a growth process that involves building an increasingly accurate and understandable narrative. This story is one you tell yourself and that you can - if you wish -share with others. By accurate I mean free from biased or ineffective understanding, part of which means realizing your role, which is entirely blameless.

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i think that those who blame the victim should be charged with being an accomplice!

LOL.... if only, or at least our more enlightened victim could call them as a witness and let a good lawyer have at em

the legal system is so patriarchal in this mess

I was thankfully never raped but did have a disturbing incident around the age of 11 because of my step father. I didn't tell a soul for over 10 years. A few years after my mom finally left him, I told her. I wish I had spoken up sooner but it felt very good to speak out once I finally did. Now I can share hope and encouraging words to another woman whom may unfortunately go through a similar situation.

Glad she was supportive

I absolutely abhor the further victimization that sadly occurs far too often. I wish more people would think before they spoke or acted- a skill taught in kindergarten...

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