Stefanie Yuen Thio was interviewed by Janice Lim in The Business Times on the silencing effect of victim-blaming (p. 9). Stefanie was quoted in both her capacity as joint managing partner at TSMP Law and the chairperson of SHE.
She said that professionals such as lawyers, law enforcement officers or healthcare workers are the people that victims seek help from, so the betrayal of trust is even greater. Survivors of sexual assault (are already dealing) with a plethora of traumatic emotions and it is more difficult for them to report a sexual crime than an offence of a different nature. Victim-blaming attitudes will be a huge disincentive for them to come forward.

Regarding sexual assault complaints to human resources departments, Stefanie shared that she has heard too many stories of how human resources departments tried to sweep the complaint under the table, even apparently trying to be kind by explaining how a complaint would make the complainant look bad. She added that having the complaint process published to employees would provide assurances of confidentiality and how their complaint will be dealt with and by whom.

The article also quoted Stefanie’s views on the need for a shift in gender mindsets, instead of having more government policies or campaigns on the specific issue of victim-blaming.