'walk like a victim, you will be a victim'

54 replies

sunlightonthegrass · 29/04/2013 21:43

I can't work out what I feel about this.

I took someone to task for saying this recently (in a nice way - I just pointed out that it might not make people who had been victims feel great to feel it was their 'fault' in some way - she, to give her her due, was very gracious about it.)

However, I did sort of know what she was getting at but I still objected to it.

Interested to hear other thoughts?

OP posts:

Snazzynewyear · 29/04/2013 22:06

I think you were right to point it out. There must be a way to say 'do everything you can to protect yourself but the problem comes from people who choose to do the wrong thing, not you as the recipient doing the wrong thing'. I really dislike the way that the person you mention said it. It does sound very 'you're bringing it on yourself'.

AmandaPayneAteTooMuchChocolate · 29/04/2013 22:06

I think the main issue I have is in the phrasing.

I have no issue with saying that walking confidently, with purpose, without earphones, not on your phone, makes you a less attractive target for an opportunist violent criminal (of any type, mugging, sexual, etc).

Though, of course, it isn't addressing the underlying issue - just trying to make that criminal pick someone other than your loved one. Which is a deeply uncomfortable thought.

What you can't do is turn it around. Walking that way isn't a magic talisman and nor does not walking that way make you a victim.

Original poster

sunlightonthegrass · 29/04/2013 22:04

Good one!

OP posts:

TheDoctrineOfSnatch · 29/04/2013 22:01

"meet an attacker, you will be attacked" as a riposte?

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