Victim blaming occurs when the victim of a crime or harmful act is held partially or entirely responsible for the incident. This mindset can manifest in various situations, such as sexual assault, bullying, or domestic violence, where the focus shifts from the perpetrator's actions to the victim's behavior or choices. This can lead to further trauma for the victim and discourage them from seeking help or reporting the incident. This phenomenon is often fueled by societal beliefs and stereotypes, which can perpetuate harmful narratives about victims. It can create an environment where individuals feel ashamed or guilty for what happened to them, undermining their experiences and the need for accountability for the actual offenders.