Press
Saying No in the Community
by Theresa Moxley
CFT – Christian Feminism Today
Every time the topic of sexual assault comes up, someone asks the question, “Why didn’t the victim ever say no? Why did the victim even participate?” These types of questions are always, without question, a form of victim blaming and deflect attention from the real reason why sexual assault and abuse happen: power and control. The question of saying no deserves a bit more attention, however, because it reflects a norm in our society that makes it easier to victimize people, and women in particular. We can find this norm in any institution but particularly in places of employment, worship spaces, and even our own families. It is hard to say no…