Opinion | Victim blaming of women subjected to sexual assault, rape and harassment has got to stop
- A Post story about sexual abuse of photographic models in Hong Kong drew a number of victim-blaming comments from readers
- These tasteless remarks, like those often made by judges, show that social attitudes need to change
A few weeks ago I wrote about the sexual abuse of freelance models who work in the private photo shoot industry in Hong Kong, where hundreds of Instagram accounts advertise thousands of mostly female models.
Photographers – both amateurs and professionals – recruit models from these accounts for private assignments, the details of which are negotiated between model and artist. A lack of transparency and accountability, however, means the models are open to abuse.
“If you’re good and innocent, simply you will decide not to do this job,” wrote one.
“No such thing as easy money. Want quick, fast and easy money, there are risk [sic]. If can’t take risk, don’t go into it. After doing it, no point complaining,” wrote another. “Maybe don’t pose for photos you would be ashamed for your parents to see?” one more said.
Oh, and this one: “Why would you agree to do a private photo shoot without bringing a friend along?” Thanks for that comment Sharon L. I always take a friend to work.
