Victim-blaming refers to the practice of holding the victim of a crime or harmful act responsible for the harm they experienced, rather than focusing on the actions of the perpetrator. This phenomenon often shifts the focus from accountability for wrongdoing to the perceived failings or behaviors of the victim, perpetuating stigma and discouraging reporting of incidents. Victim-blaming is particularly prevalent in discussions around sexual harassment and assault, where societal attitudes can further marginalize victims and complicate their healing process.
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