Victims of violent crime often feel guilt about having some responsibility for the harm they endured--as do the surviving family members of people who are killed. But far too often the Solicitor prosecuting the case--same thing as District Attorney--makes victims feel they are to blame. This happens when offenders are initially overcharged, only to plead to a lower offense later. It happens when victims who are poor can't make it to court appearances or lose contact. And this victim blaming is especially prevalent when there's a black victim, who is more likely to be partially or totally blamed for their role in the violence against them--my lawyers, by the media, and by juries. Sometimes a Solicitor--who is trusted by the victim--blames them by telling jurors at trial that the victim was partially responsible, or even telling a victim that a more serious charge couldn't be proved and had to be dropped when explaining why a plea deal was reached. It can be soul-crushing for a victim or surviving family member.
We must stop this behavior now. The first priority of our Criminal Justice system should be to heal victims--every victim. Read more about victim blaming here: [ Ссылка ]

свернуть