Victim blaming - meaning and definition
Alsovictim shamingblaming the victimvictim blame
Definition
Victim blaming is holding the person who was harmed responsible for what happened to them, instead of the person who caused the harm.
At a glance
- Holding the harmed person responsible instead of the person who caused harm.
- Questions like "What were you wearing?" are typical examples.
- It can come from strangers, friends, institutions and survivors themselves.
- It discourages people from seeking help and reporting.
- A supportive response is to believe the person and make clear it was not their fault.
In detail
Questions like "What were you wearing?", "Why did you go home with them?" or "Why didn't you leave?" shift attention away from the person who chose to cause harm. Victim blaming can come from strangers, friends, institutions and survivors themselves.
Research shows it discourages people from seeking help and reporting. A supportive response is to believe the person, make clear it was not their fault, and let them decide what to do next.
In a sentence
- Asking why she didn't leave sooner is victim blaming; the question should be why he was abusive.
- The charity trains police officers to avoid victim blaming language.
Where the word comes from
The phrase "blaming the victim" was popularised by the psychologist William Ryan in his 1971 book of that name, and was later widely applied to sexual and domestic violence.
Common questions
What are examples of victim blaming?
Asking what someone was wearing, why they went home with someone, how much they drank or why they did not leave an abusive partner. These questions shift attention away from the person who chose to cause harm.
How can I support someone without blaming them?
Listen, believe them, tell them it was not their fault, and let them decide what to do next. You can share information about support services such as a rape crisis centre or domestic abuse helpline if they want it.