STOP Victim-Blaming

Recently, a 30-year-old unemployed man in Hong Kong called himself "Tomboy" (referring to a girl who exhibits characteristics or behaviours considered typical of a boy) in a lesbian dating app, pretending to be a woman and molestated a lesbian. The man was accused of rape but the judge finally ruled that the defendant was not guilty of rape. When giving evidence, judges and barristers didn't know much about the sexual niche, such as "LGBTQ". Many netizens condemned the lesbian, claiming she should not have used the lesbian dating app to meet strangers. This case illustrates Hong Kongers' lack of understanding of the "LGBTQ" community and indicates women's condition.

Hong Kong society requires women to maintain purity and ethically restrain their behaviour. Consequently, when victims of sexual assault boldly step up and denounce the perpetrator they face discrimination from others since they have been sexually abused. What appears above is "victim-blaming". In the sexual assault case remarks, some public opinions have a similar feature: the attack is directed at the female victim.

First of all, research has discovered that women are the vital force of "victim-blaming." When a woman is sexually assaulted, they will interrogate her and attack her because they believe she is culpable. They'll also label her a "slut," but they won't pursue the perpetrator. Many netizens blamed the woman, much like the accused lesbian sexually assaulted after utilizing dating apps. They retain their superiority by slandering and denouncing the victim, believing that she is a lewd woman.

Second, "victim-blaming" stems from patriarchal consciousness, which causes males to believe that "sex is a tool for men to subjugate and suppress women." This idea is profoundly ingrained in people's minds. Therefore, they blame the victim, thinking that the sufferer's fault caused the injury. In reality, sexual assault victims should not be afraid to speak up because they have committed no wrongdoing. Rapists should feel ashamed, not the victims.

In conclusion, the biggest dilemma that women face is the patriarchal society that is difficult to alter. Patriarchy impacts many traditional women as well as men. Victimized women are not only chastised by males but also brutally reprimanded by their peers. These comments and reprimands incriminate the victim, her family, and friends, demonstrating women's oppression and restriction in a patriarchal society.

However, women are not as delicate as portrayed, and many social service agencies and individuals are sympathetic and concerned about victims. Even though the lesbian who had been sexually attacked had failed in the allegation, was further troubled by rumours from the outside world, and was under immense pressure, she boldly expressed her thoughts: "Lesbians are yearning for a forum where they can express themselves. We should not feel fear by finding female sexual partners."

"We have to step up as women and take the lead." she urged fellow victims of sexual assault.