Part 6: Remember, It Is Not My Fault
Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series
By Patrice Tillery
In addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, it is crucial to recognize and combat the all-too-common phenomenon of victim blaming. Unfortunately, victims are often wrongly held responsible for the abuse they endure, perpetuating harmful myths and misconceptions within society.
It is essential to debunk these misconceptions and acknowledge that victims are not to blame for the abuse they suffer. Abusers employ power dynamics, manipulation, and control tactics that lie at the core of abusive situations.
The responsibility for abuse lies solely with the abuser, not the survivor.
In shifting our focus from questioning survivors' actions to holding perpetrators accountable for their harmful behavior, we create an environment conducive to healing. Empathy, support, and understanding are critical components of this process, fostering a safe space for survivors to come forward without fear of judgment or reproach.
Rather than assigning blame, communities should first and foremost offer survivors unwavering support and compassion. By creating a culture that prioritizes belief and validation of survivors' experiences, we can break the silence and stigma surrounding abuse. Coordinated Community Response is one way we can bring together the community to collaborate on solutions that will help survivors feel empowered and find ways to stop intimate partner violence.
BWJP’s National Center on Reimagining Coordinated Community Response aims to create genuine safety and well-being for survivors, meaningful opportunities for change for those causing harm, and equity for their communities. You can also learn more about our work in this Coordinated Community Response Report.
Thank you for standing with us in our commitment to empowering survivors, ending victim blaming, and creating a society that actively prevents future instances of abuse.
TAGS: #Gender Based Violence #News