It wasn't my fault

It Wasn’t My Fault!

As assaults against women and young girls become more visible, institutions thought to be protective are being put into question. Sexual abuse within the family happens to young girls. Violence in schools has increased since the turn of the century often affecting girls and their teachers. An increase in the use of violence against women in the family has been observed. Workplace sickness and injuries involving women are on the rise. Yet, research shows that medical employees working in the emergency room of a major hospital in Sweden think that a woman who is a victim of violence has her self to blame. Although, women seeking social justice within the legal system have often faced the idea that they are to blame for rape, the idea that also women battered by men are to blame is gaining ground. This paper analyzes changes in the legal system in advanced societies, the importance of development of human rights and the rise of social movements for the protection of young girls and women.  A key point of the paper is a discussion of the concept of blame and responsibility and how changing definitions and narratives mitigate the importance of increasing violence against girls and women in contemporary society. The contrast between formal advancements of the rights of women to protection against violence is placed against growing perceptions that violence is not a matter of public concern but should be dealt with individually and privately. The paradox of more legal protection and less public concern is of upmost importance in the everyday lives of young girls and women in society.