In our research, we have focused on belief victimization, which can occur after a crime if the victim is treated inappropriately by individuals within the justice system or by the public. For instance, victims may face questioning or be unfairly held responsible for the crime itself. Our research has particularly delved into understanding why certain victims are blamed more than others.
Previous studies, primarily conducted in the UK and the USA, have shown that individuals, especially men, often assign blame to rape victims for the assault. Factors such as being out late at night, consuming alcohol, or dressing provocatively are commonly associated with increased victim blame. However, our studies in Sweden indicate that the general public tends to attribute only a low degree of guilt to the victim, regardless of the victim's characteristics or the evaluator's identity.
Furthermore, our research reveals that those who tend to blame crime victims often hold strong beliefs in the concept of a "just world," where good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds are punished. This worldview leads them to believe that victims must bear some responsibility for their circumstances, including instances of rape. Additionally, our findings show that individuals who blame victims tend to endorse rape myths—preconceived notions and biases about what constitutes rape, who perpetrates it, and who falls victim to it.
For example, they may believe that rape involves overt violence, that victims always physically resist, and that assaults primarily occur with strangers targeting women outdoors. Thus, personal beliefs play a more significant role in attributing blame than situational factors related to the crime itself.