thepoets:

Yes, I think that there should be a need to emphasize “not rape” instead of “don’t get raped.” But people will rape, it’s not like they think it’s an “O.K.” thing to do, they know it’s a crime. Just like when you go to a busy city, people tell you to watch your money for pickpockets, you should…

http://thepoets.tumblr.com/post/5370318536

If you are going to look at it that way: The problem with this thinking is that it’s victim blaming because none of the things suggested as being helpful ARE helpful.  By saying “if you don’t wear short skirts- you’ll be safer” you are in turn saying “if you didn’t wear that it wouldn’t have happened” which is directly blaming.

When we’re talking about ‘typical’ rapes, which is pretty much what the cited story is about, we’re talking about people who stalk their victims, who look for the weakest, and most vulnerable people they can to rape. They’re not looking for pretty women wearing provocative clothing, they’re not doing this to get off to their faces and bodies. They’re doing it for the rush they get from feeling said power. It’s a proven fact. So regardless if you where wearing a g-string and a mini skirt, a hijab or a sweatsuit- it generally makes 0 difference.

That isn’t even the majority of rapes. Most sexual assaults take place by persons the victim knows and trusts; often in a ‘safe’ place like the victims own home.

“In reality, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (USA):
(http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/)
38% of victims were raped by a friend or acquaintance
28% by “an intimate” 
7% by another relative
26% were committed by a stranger to the victim.”

“About four out of ten sexual assaults take place at the victim’s own home.”

“Contrary to widespread belief, rape outdoors is rare.
Over two thirds of all rapes occur in someone’s home.
30.9% occur in the perpetrators’ homes
26.6% in the victims’ homes
10.1% in homes shared by the victim and perpetrator
7.2% occur at parties
7.2% in vehicles
3.6% outdoors
2.2% in bars.”


So how are the majority of rapes avoidable when most of them are commited in ‘safe’ places by ‘safe’ people? It’s got nothing to do with short skirts, places and times over all. No one ever asks for sexual assault. The very few times when it is done in a dark alley at night to a women wearing a short skirt- studies show it’s about power- not about provocative dress.

And that is why it’s offensive and victim blaming- not to mention outdated/ illogical. To suggest its in any way a victims fault or that it could have been avoiding if ‘xyz’ was done when evidence of studies and statistics proves otherwise is insulting.