Perpetrator Blaming & Shaming

"If she wasn't dressed like that then maybe she wouldn't have gotten raped...She should've never been drinking at the party...Watch what you wear, you don't want to give the wrong idea..." And what idea might that be?

That type of language is ignorant, toxic and normalizes sexual assault. It's not normal. What's really implied by using language that blames the victim is "She should've never let herself get assaulted."

What should we do? Should we wear long ankle length skirts? Should we put on baggy sweat pants just to hide our curves? The answer is no. Predators will prey regardless because sexual assault is not based on looks. It's based on power and control.

Why don't we start with the basics. Teaching boys that hitting girls is not how you show them affection. By allowing safe spaces where little boys and girls can express their emotion. Why don't we teach them that people are not property or possessions. Women are not objects that can be dominated or controlled. Let's begin by respecting autonomy. Let's hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. They are the problem.

If someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, here are a few things you can do.

National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline

https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline

Sexual Assault Misconceptions

https://sapac.umich.edu/article/5