The Perpetuation of Gender Violence by Victim-Blaming

Gender violence is a growing concern throughout the US, as more people are starting to notice the impact it can have and how it is a cycle of violence because of the victim-blaming trend that is also occurring today. For those who have been the victim of gender violence, there is the potential to press charges against the perpetrator or to file a lawsuit for compensation in civil court. However, it is important to understand what is happening and why. 

What is Gender Violence?

Gender violence is any violence or threats of violence against a person due to their actual or perceived gender or identity. It can include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, as well as any threats of abuse. Domestic violence is a more well-known term, but though the two can have a significant amount of overlap, they are different in that gender violence doesn’t require the accused and the victim to live together or be in a relationship. Anyone, regardless of their gender or identity, can be a target of gender violence, and does have the opportunity to file a police report or seek compensation for any act of abuse. 

What is Victim-Blaming?

Victim-blaming is an act in which the victim is blamed for the act of violence against them. It’s not the same as saying the victim could have done things differently to stay safe, though that can sometimes be construed as victim-blaming depending on how it’s said. It’s not saying women should take precautions when walking home at night. It’s saying if she didn’t want the violence to happen, she shouldn’t have worn that outfit. It’s a way of pushing the blame onto the victim instead of forcing the perpetrator to take the blame for their own actions. 

How Victim-Blaming Impacts Gender Violence

Victim-blaming is all too common today and it’s used as a way to create excuses for gender violence. Instead of the perpetrator being blamed for their actions, the victim is blamed, instead. This minimizes the perpetrator’s role, allowing them to get away with the violence. All this does is encourage them to do it again, creating a cycle of gender violence and more victim blaming. For those who have been a victim of gender violence, it can be challenging to speak out because of victim blaming, so the perpetrator may get away with their crimes and someone else may end up being their victim in the future. 

What Victims Can Do About Gender Violence

If someone is the victim of gender violence, it is important for them to seek help instead of trying to ignore it and move on. Speaking out helps to ensure the perpetrator does not get away with it to continue the abuse with someone else. The victim can file charges with the local police department in an attempt to have the perpetrator held responsible in criminal court. They also have the ability to sue in civil court to obtain compensation for any injuries they’ve sustained. 

If you’ve been the victim of gender violence, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer about your options. While the decision of whether to move forward with a lawsuit is up to you, it is recommended to at least learn about your options and what can be done so you can make an informed decision. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.