Vaitogi Regulations: Safety or Blame?

Written by: Marilyn Ho Ching, Media Coordinator
Vaitogi has implemented strict regulations intended to provide safety and security to upkeep the welfare of our people, according to the document addressed to the landowners and renters in Vaitogi. Some of the restrictions include a Sa/curfew, loud music from homes or vehicles, consumption of alcohol in the villages on the streets, use of illegal drug sale or use etc. “No Women can wear shorts with leg length above the knee around the village except when participating in sports”.  Is this a condition to keep women in the village safe and secure?

If the Vaitogi rules are implemented these cultural practices burdens females with the sole responsibility for their safety. It places restrictions and hinders their daily lives creating consequences for victims.   “Why did she wear those tight jeans?”, “She should have kept her legs together” or “She should have known better

A major issue that inhibits the eradication of violence against women in communities and cultures is victim blaming.It is an attitude that suggests the victim rather than the perpetrator bears responsibility for the assault. When we use victim blaming norms it places the responsibility of domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault directly on the victim while releasing the perpetrator from guilt or fault.

The challenge with dismantling victim blaming attitudes lies in the fact that it is so prevalent that most people do it automatically. To change this mindset we need to transform our beliefs, and stop victim blaming. We can start by believing the victim, too often victims will not speak up because of this. We can challenge the Enablers- when they begin to blame the victim, remind them the perpetrator made the choice to abuse, rape or assault the victim.
We can hold the perpetrator accountable for his behavior, by reminding them of their actions and they are responsible.  We can change the narrative of these policies and beliefs so that the attitude towards victim blaming or help a victim or survivors.

It is time to stop violence against women: TOGETHER