12/10/2021
π While there has certainly been progress, we still live in a culture that, at times, enforces victim blaming on abuse survivors.
This victim blaming occurs even under the positive intentions of seeking justice for them.
The trial process, which can sometimes take years, can be intimidating and traumatizing for victims.
The process itself is frustrating and time consuming, and again, the victim has to relive the trauma over and over while testifying.
While it would make sense to any survivor that they may not be ready to face their offender in court and tell their trauma in front of a jury literally βjudgingβ them, not to mention get torn apart by the offenders lawyer, they also know the victims testimony is crucial in meeting the prosecutions burden of proof.
So, the other option is to live with the guilt of this monster possibly not getting put away.
Where is the justice?
And then, while open testimony requires a survivor to narrate a painful and triggering account of abuse and attacks around which she may still struggle with shame, embarrassment and self-blame, there are rules of behavior she must obey.
Her account must convincingly show that trauma occurred. However, the physical and emotional experiences that accompany trauma β like anxiety, depression, anger, hyper-vigilance and dissociation β must not show.
ππ» Instead, the survivor must appear controlled, with only just the right amount of emotion.
So, if I had attitude or βgot sassy,β would that make me less likeable or taken less seriously? Iβm expected to sit there and tell my story, cross-examined by someone literally bullying me, and βact like a lady?β π€·πΌββοΈ
What the f**k does that even mean!?
I donβt blame the professionals who told me to do this, theyβre giving me knowledge and advice from their umpteenth years of experience on what works.
Thatβs even more sad.
Why are we putting women through this? Why is this still a thing?
I donβt know the solution, but I know it this isnβt it. π