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

[sunlightonthegrass]

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?

I have to say, I find it amazing that people have a seemingly endless supply of random humans who are prepared to accompany them on trips out of their house.

I don't have access to a pool of people I can ring up and say "hey, I need to pop down to Tesco for some milk, can you come round and escort me please?" I envy those who have.

Slowloris, interesting post - I agree, a lot is down to luck.

I think for individuals it makes sense to consider where to go, when, with whom, how to walk/look, give out a certain attitude etc - yes, even if just gives a feeling of control.

As a society or as public policy saying 'You should look/walk/dress like this in order to not get attacked' is wrong and victim-blamey

Basil, you've said it. Unless we should all consider hiring body guards??

I guess thinking about it, it all comes back to women not going out without an escort / owner?

Although that never actually helped anyone , to be frank.

I think that an opportunist will strike someone who is more vulnerable than they are.
To think that anyone can walk in a way to hide their apparent 'weakness' is nonsense.

I am a small female,and however much I stride confidently along,wearing rugged clothing,I will not disguise that I will, in all probability, be no match for a large man if he were to attack me.

I refuse to remain a prisoner to daylight hours,male escorts and 'safe' areas though.

I imagine that in this culture of victim blaming it was that which made me at fault when I was attacked by a man jumping out of the bushes ( where he had been waiting) and grabbing me on a lonely country road.