Facts for Safety — News & Updates

The Myth of the “Good Victim”

The Myth of the “Good Victim”

Guest: Caroline Balinska

Published on: 16/12/2025

There is an unspoken rule in our society — and especially in systems that claim to protect women — about what a “real” victim should look like. She should be calm, but distressed. Presentable, but not vain. Emotional, but not angry. Shaken, but still polite. She should look like she prepared for the worst moment of her life.

What is domestic violenceOrganizations Missing The Signs

This section publishes news, updates, and analysis related to evidence-based safety decision-making in child protection and domestic violence response systems.

From time to time, we also publish guest contributions that reflect the personal perspectives and professional views of their authors. Guest contributions are clearly identified and do not necessarily represent the views of Facts for Safety.

All content is intended to inform public discussion and does not constitute legal, medical, or psychological advice.

Facts For Safety is a NFP Organization
© Copyright 2026