It’s disheartening to hear phrases like:
- “What were you wearing?”
- “Can you really blame him? Men have instincts.”
- “Did you even say no? Did you try to fight back?”
- “What did you think would happen?”
- “You were sending mixed signals.”
According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), 1 in 6 American women will experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. Alarmingly, many of these incidents go unreported. The reasons? A lack of faith in the justice system—only 6 out of every 1,000 rapists will see prison time.
A significant problem in addressing sexual assault and rape is society’s tendency to blame the victims instead of supporting them during their trauma and helping them pursue justice. To combat this narrative, the organization “It’s On Us,” founded by former Vice President Joe Biden, has teamed up with 101-North Marketing to produce public service announcements (PSAs) that highlight the absurdity of victim blaming.
One striking video features a man working at a hardware store beside a toilet display. A woman, seemingly in need, rushes over and sits down on the toilet, visibly relieved while scrolling through her phone. When the man turns around and sees her, he is understandably shocked. She then accuses him of flaunting his tools and claims he is sending mixed messages. The confrontation escalates, culminating in her storming off, insisting he get his “signals straight.”
The series includes two additional videos that further expose the ridiculousness of victim blaming. One shows two women playfully interacting with a sculpture in a museum, mocking a security guard who is trying to enforce the rules. The other depicts a woman indulging in a wedding cake while scolding the baker for making it look so enticing. Each scenario serves as a metaphor for the illogical reasoning often used to excuse sexual assault. The closing message? “This is the logic used to excuse sexual assault. Not very logical, is it?” Indeed, it isn’t.
For more insights on the topic and to explore related issues, check out this informative article on Modern Family Blog. Additionally, if you’re interested in topics related to pregnancy, this resource on Healthline provides valuable information. And for those looking into alternatives for family planning, consider checking out our post on the at-home insemination kit.
In summary, the fight against victim blaming continues to be crucial in supporting survivors of sexual assault. By raising awareness and challenging harmful stereotypes, we can work toward a more just and compassionate society.