‘I was too westernised and did not wear loose clothes…’: Celina Jaitly highlights the prevalence of victim-blaming in India

After the tragic rape and murder of 31-year-old Moumita Debnath at the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, many celebrities have come forward and spoken about the lack of safety for women in the country.

Actor Celina Jaitly recounted an uncomfortable incident from her childhood. In a post shared on X, she shared a photo and revealed, “THE VICTIM IS ALWAYS AT FAULT: In this pic, I was in 6th grade only when boys from a nearby university started to wait outside my school. They would follow the school rickshaw making catcalls all the way home every day.” 

She continued, “I pretended not to notice them, and a few days later because of that they started throwing stones at me in the middle of the road to get my attention. Not one bystander batted an eye. I was told by a teacher: It was because I was ‘too westernised and did not wear loose clothes and did not tie my hair in two braids with oil it was my fault!’”

THE VICTIM IS ALWAYS AT FAULT : In this pic I was in 6th grade only when boys from a nearby university started to wait outside my school.They would follow the school rickshaw making catcalls all the way home everyday. I pretended not to notice them and few days later because of… pic.twitter.com/cIrJmiDbQt

— Celina Jaitly (@CelinaJaitly) August 17, 2024

Victim blaming is a deeply troubling issue that many survivors of sexual harassment and assault face. The impact of such blame can be devastating, adding to the trauma and often silencing those who have already been hurt. 

Neha Parashar, senior psychologist at Mindtalk, tells indianexpress.com, “Sexual harassment and assault are traumatic experiences that can leave deep psychological scars. Unfortunately, the wounds are often compounded by victim-blaming — a pervasive societal response that shifts the responsibility from the perpetrator to the survivor.”

Victim-blaming is a deeply troubling issue that many survivors of sexual harassment and assault face. (Source: Freepik)

The psychological toll of victim-blaming

Parashar states that victim-blaming can be a devastating blow to survivors who are already grappling with the trauma of their experience. When survivors are told they ‘asked for it’ or ‘should have known better,’ it can internalise a sense of shame and self-blame. This can lead to a corrosive cycle of guilt and self-doubt, hindering the healing process.”

The feeling of being blamed or not believed can amplify existing anxiety and depression symptoms. It can also lead to the development of new mental health challenges, including PTSD and social isolation.

Victim-blaming can erode trust in others and make it harder to form healthy relationships, says Parashar. “Survivors may fear being judged or blamed again, leading to withdrawal and social isolation. Being blamed for a traumatic experience can chip away at a person’s sense of self-worth and create feelings of powerlessness and helplessness.”

Steps society can take to shift from a culture of victim-blaming to one that is more supportive

To foster a more supportive and understanding environment for survivors, Parashar stresses, a cultural shift is necessary. Educating people about the nature of sexual harassment and assault, including dispelling myths and stereotypes, is crucial. This can help create a culture of empathy and understanding.

She adds, “Whenever you encounter victim-blaming language or behaviour, challenge it. Speak up against stereotypes and misconceptions about sexual assault. When someone discloses their experience, believe them and offer support. Let them know that it’s not their fault and that they are not alone.”

Provide easy access to support services for survivors, including hotlines, counselling, and legal aid. Ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions through legal and social consequences.

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