In recognition of sexual assault awareness month, we wanted to address the damaging impact of “victim blaming” and the misconceptions regarding women’s self-defense. Many people wrongly believe that a survivor of sexual assault may be to blame based on what they were wearing, drinking or doing prior to the assault. It’s not true, and the insinuation is much more damaging than many realize. It’s never the victim’s fault. It is a man’s responsibility to respect women and their boundaries. But until this day comes, we encourage women to learn self defense; not because it’s their responsibility, but because it’s their reality.
