An interactive interrogation of victim-blaming and its root causes.

Recent research trends point to the effectiveness of bystander intervention approaches as a means of reducing the incidence of rape in communities.

The key to individuals intervening successfully as bystanders requires that they:

1. Notice the incident
2. Identify it as problematic
3. Feel a responsibility to intervene

The problem lies in that many of us have become desensitized to the cultural forces that reinforce a rape-supportive culture. We have developed tolerances for coercive sexual behavior, and too easily dismiss the role of alcohol as a weapon in the perpetration of sexual violence. In short, many in our communities don’t notice acts of sexual coercion, and when they do, they don’t think it’s a big deal and therefore feel no responsibility to step in and do something. Part of what sustains this desensitization is adherence to victim-blaming beliefs. We decide that the culture and the perpetrator aren’t to blame for rape: it’s the victim’s fault for not following the rules of the sexual game. The more we buy into victim blaming, the less likely it is that we will feel responsible for helping anyone vulnerable.

BEAT THE BLAME GAME is designed to be the reality check that interrupts this desensitization. It actively engages audiences in a candid dialogue about why there is a deep-seated, often self-protective need to blame victims, and dismantles the false logic behind those beliefs. The program highlights not only how victim-blaming arguments lack any moral center, but also how to respond effectively to those arguments when they hear them being made by others.