If you’re reading this and need to hear it, please know this: it’s not your fault. You’re not alone, and we’re here for you.

Such an important message. I've been victim blamed, and I've victim blamed. Now, I know it's as simple as saying, 'its not your fault' - I'm committed to doing better.

You have my deepest respect, my deepest compassion, and my full support. We will continue to work hard to ensure you're not harmed by messages or systems that fail to place blame where it belongs - with the perpetrator of harm and crime - and never with you. Stay strong. You're incredible.

We pay tribute to the strength of victims and survivors across Aotearoa who continue to navigate the impacts of crime and traumatic events with dignity and resilience. Your voices matter. Your experiences are valid. You are not responsible for the actions of others. Whatever happened to you, it is not your fault.

Victim blaming makes us question and doubt ourselves. If this has happened to you, please be kind to yourself. You've already been through enough. The blame belongs with the person who caused the harm, never with you.

Victim -blaming is a frequent pattern in family harm. Offenders may accuse the victim of putting them in jail or destroying their life now that they have a record. It is essential that accountability lies with the offender - their behaviour, actions and choices led to the outcome, not the victim's actions