Victim blaming

Victim blaming occurs when responsibility for a harmful act is shifted from the perpetrator to the victim. It involves questioning or criticizing the victim’s actions, behavior, or characteristics, suggesting they contributed to or caused the incident. This mindset can discourage victims from speaking out or seeking help, and it unjustly emphasizes their role rather than holding the actual offender accountable. Victim blaming is counterproductive to justice and support, as it overlooks systemic issues and unjustly burdens the victim with fault.