Victim Blaming: Where is the Voice?

Missouri State University invites you to attend the 17th annual Public Affairs Conference as a live virtual event Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2020! This year's public affairs theme is The Power of Voice. 

Links to all live webinar events will be listed on the Public Affairs Conference schedule website.

Victim blaming is all too common in American society and is a symptom of a culture where personal responsibility is often lacking. From family abuse, to rape, to acid attacks on women as punishment for perceived wrongs, the practice of victim blaming is present in the U.S. Victims are told to change their behavior to avoid being assaulted. Women are told to dress less provocatively, drink less alcohol and avoid putting themselves in risky situations. How can we provide the power of voice for these victims? How can community norms and state justice systems change to hear the voices of children and adult victims? To what extent do mainstream media outlets perpetuate the culture of victim blaming, and how can we bring awareness to abusive behavior that is too often trivialized?

Free