Objectifying women

[Paul the Human]

@In This Mind: I know that I opted out of this thread, but I want to try one more time. First, I want to make it clear that I never, ever think that the victim of a rape holds any blame for the rape. I believe that the blame lies entirely with the rapist and that all rapists should receive nothing less than severe punishment under the law. I consider rape to be one of the most heinous crimes in existence. I further believe that all rape victims should have access to rehabilitation (funded by the seized assets of convicted rapists, perhaps) and that rehabilitation should address the physical, emotional, and mental damage suffered by the (completely blameless) victim.

I also believe that a woman (or man, whatever) can, in certain circumstances, take conscious steps to lower their own odds of becoming a victim of rape. That is not to say that rape can be prevented, since there is no way to predict or prevent the actions of anyone other than oneself, but one can certainly lower the odds by being aware of potential danger. If one does not take the precautions that might have lowered those risks, that person is not to blame if a rape occurs. The rapist is solely to blame.

Am I 'victim blaming'?

If your answer is yes, then you and I will never agree on this topic. I know that I do not blame rape victims for being raped.

If your answer is no, then we finally have an understanding and there is no need to carry on.