Greetings!
Refusing to participate in victim-blaming attitudes is one way that each of us can “Feed the Fire” to bring awareness and culture change regarding domestic violence.
Please take three minutes to watch this eloquent video on Victim Blaming:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ep8FiLG1XYl
The Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness gives several suggestions on how we can each avoid Victim Blaming:
- Challenge victim-blaming statements when you hear them
- Do not agree with abusers’ excuses for why they abuse
- Let survivors know that it is not their fault
- Hold abusers accountable for their actions: do not let them make excuses like blaming the victim, alcohol, or drugs for their behavior
- Acknowledge that survivors are their own best experts and provide them with resources and support
- Recognize that victim-blaming can take on many forms and manifest in unique ways, which can be rooted in racist, sexist, and/or homophobic attitudes present in society.
- Avoid victim blaming in the media
- Reframe the question “Why does the victim stay?” to “Why does the perpetrator abuse?” See Barriers to Leaving an Abusive Relationship
- Understand the frequently asked questions that often interrupt accountability.
- See Tips for Media Professionals for information on how you can re-frame victim-blaming language.
More great information can be found on their website http://stoprelationshipabuse.org/educated/avoiding-victim-blaming/
Please plan on joining us for the Domestic Violence Awareness Walk next Friday (check out our Facebook page link located on our website for details). You do not need to sign up. Please come to the Wellness Center at your convenience. T-shirts and gift bags for the first 100 participants. T-shirts and bags for youth are also available. Hope to see you there.
Happy Friday,
Tracie
Our Advocates are here to help!
Haven Office: 918-554-2836
Text Line: 918.533.3070
Crime Victim Advocate: 541.602.0616
Program Website: https://havenprogram.com/
Program Email: havenprogram@estoo.net
Facebook: HAVEN Tribal Program, Twitter: @ProgramHaven, Instagram: HAVENTRIBALProgram.
Our advocates are here to help!
