Labels

Victim Blaming




 Let’s get real for a moment; how many women have faced the horror of being hunted by rapists, yet their voices remain silenced? Not because they don’t want to speak out, but because they simply can’t.
They’re choked by fear. Fear of the world’s harshness. Fear of society’s judgment. Fear of being labeled with names that sting like fire, “prostitute,” “cheap,” “attention seeker.”

Fear that instead of finding solace, they’ll be met with accusations, shame, and blame.

The instant a woman is attacked, the questions shift from “What did he do to her?” to “What was she wearing?” They scrutinize her clothes, makeup, smile, and friendships. They put her life on trial instead of focusing on the real criminal.

If she has male friends, suddenly she’s “too friendly.” If she chats with men often, it’s twisted into her “inviting it.” If she’s confident, outgoing, or free-spirited, they’ll say, “Well, it was bound to happen.” And so, she learns to keep quiet; not because she’s weak, but because the world has made honesty a dangerous path.

Let’s talk about that young girl, barely old enough to understand her own body, who was inappropriately touched by a cousin during a visit years ago. Let’s discuss the uncle who trapped her in a dark room, threatening her with words like, “If you tell anyone, I’ll beat you… I’ll throw you out… no one will believe you.”

Let’s bring up the mother who quietly warns her daughter, “Don’t sit on your father’s lap… don’t be alone with him… don’t dress like that at home.” Not because the girl is doing anything wrong, but because the mother is all too aware of the danger; the danger lurking from the very man she married, the one she thought she could trust.

And here’s the harsh reality: if the man you married, the father of your child, can’t be trusted around his own daughter, then you’re not in a marriage… you’re in a battlefield.

To the fathers…



If your own child stirs inappropriate thoughts in you, you are not a man; you are not a father.

This is why so many stories remain in the shadows. For every girl who finds her voice, there are a thousand who are hushed and held back by fear, shame, and the harsh reality that society often puts them on trial instead of their abuser.

But this silence is suffocating us. We can’t keep pretending it’s not happening. We can’t keep blaming victims for simply surviving. We can’t keep shielding predators just because they’re “family,” “friends,” or “upstanding members of the community.”

Not anymore.



It’s time to stop telling women to “be careful” and start demanding that men stop violating boundaries. It’s time to teach boys that consent is non-negotiable. It’s time to stop sweeping abuse under the rug just because it makes us uncomfortable to discuss. It’s time to believe victims before we question them. Because every time we silence one woman, we give the green light for the next attack. And every time we turn a blind eye, we’re telling the predator that he still holds power.

The cycle breaks when we collectively decide that enough is enough. And I’m here to say, enough is enough.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence or abuse, you are not alone. Here are trusted organizations and hotlines that can offer support, counseling, and legal assistance:

Kenya-Based Support

Global Resources & Awareness

Reporting & Legal Aid

  • https://fidakenya.org/ – Legal aid and advocacy for women and children.

  • POLICARE (Kenya National Police Service) – A one-stop support center addressing gender-based violence with legal, psychosocial, and health services. Cases can be reported at any police station, or via toll-free lines: 999 / 112 / 911, or through #FichuaKwaDCI at 0800 722 203.

Disclaimer: This section is for awareness and support purposes only. If you are in immediate danger, please contact local authorities or the appropriate helpline above.


 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts