Don’t blame the victim

It is so heartening to see that women around the globe are speaking up against the sexual abuse and indecent behaviour they have suffered for years. Nadia Jamil is someone I have looked up to mainly because of the impeccable strength that she projected during her career. Recently she shared her story of abuse and, to my utter surprise, that story was met with unfavourable comments. I have read many derogatory comments on social media blaming her for not speaking up before. Some even criticised her decision to join the media industry.

It is surprising that some people, including women, have the audacity to question a woman who has been through such a hard time. Blaming the victim for her hardship is completely preposterous and misleading. Abusers are afraid of the world where their abuse will be called out and condemned. That is why they strive to convince everyone that victims deserved it for being ‘weak.’ It is time we started shaming culprits and not the victim.

Kiran Ashraf

Karachi