clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Quiz: Are you blaming the victim?

Stephen A. Smith, one of ESPN's marquee sports commentators, felt the wrath of Twitter Friday afternoon after an on-air conversation about domestic violence took a controversial but familiar turn. Smith was discussing NFL player Ray Rice, who recently received a two-game suspension from the Baltimore Ravens as punishment for a February arrest for assaulting his now-wife.

Smith noted that violence against women is wrong, but he also cautioned women to "make sure [they] don't do anything to provoke wrong actions" and to do their part "in making sure [an assault] doesn't happen." This sparked some heavy debate about how much responsibility women might carry for violence committed against them by men, as well as accusations of victim-blaming.

It's an issue around which there is much confusion. So what is blaming the victim? Are you doing it? Click below to find out.