Theresa is joined by Kristine Irwin, Founder of Voices of Hope, from Pittsburgh, PA , to discuss the role social media plays in perpetuating blaming/shaming of those victimized by sexual violence

Theresa and Kristine discuss victim blaming/shaming social media campaigns  - re-traumaization, vile posted comments, somehow she wanted to be  violated, it was  her fault look how she was dressed or drank too much,  she didn’t yell loud enough. What was once a private matter is now because of social media is public exposure for anyone to post vile comments.  It limits the opportunities to come to terms of what happened to you, fears and shame are heighten by people, majority you do not know, openly talk about you, and it limits your time to heal and recover

They discussed the words used by print and television media to describe girls ages 12 to 17 victimized by sexual violence.  Instead of saying they are young girls -  elementary, middle or high schoolers - too young to get drivers license or drive without adult in the car,  vote, volunteer for the military buy alcohol, or sign a legal contract - they are described as young women.  Another, code victim blaming/shaming term is implying those victimized of being in a relationship with their predator.  There is no relationship.  No mutually agreed upon relationship, no joining of equals.  It is time to describe what happened a child was sexual violated, preyed upon by older adult.

They raise the question, why is the sexual predator is seldom blamed but somehow he becomes the victim.  How dare he be blamed, what about his innocence, how will this damage his career his prospects in life.  


They end this discussion asking the questions what can they do to make a difference and invite others to end victim blaming/shaming