The comment, “Well, I won’t completely blame him. I met one, when I asked her age, she said 20. I refused to believe until she had to call her mom,” is both insensitive and troubling. It attempts to excuse the predatory actions of the 42-year-old by implying the victim may have misrepresented her age.
This response dangerously downplays the crime, shifting blame onto the minor. It’s essential to remember that age of consent laws exist to protect minors from exploitation, and any relationship with a minor remains a serious offense, regardless of perceived maturity. Such remarks perpetuate a harmful culture of victim-blaming and trivialize the severity of abuse. We must hold perpetrators accountable and stand in support of victims without deflection or excuse.
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