What does "victim-blaming" refer to?

Victim-blaming refers to the practice of holding victims responsible for the violence or harm they have experienced. This mindset shifts accountability from the perpetrator to the victim, suggesting that the victim's actions, choices, or circumstances are to blame for the aggression or violence inflicted upon them. This perspective can be particularly harmful, as it not only trivializes the victim's experience but also reinforces societal norms that excuse or overlook the behavior of aggressors.

For instance, saying that someone "shouldn't have been in that situation" or "could have avoided the attack" implies that the victim had control over the actions of the aggressor, which can contribute to feelings of shame and isolation for the victim. Victim-blaming hampers progress in addressing and preventing violence, as it diverts attention from the need for accountability and systemic change. The focus should ideally be on the actions of the perpetrator and the structure of societal support for victims, rather than on what the victims could have done differently.