Which of the following is described as a barrier from law enforcement toward sex workers as victims?

• A. Focus on vic credibility by LE
• B. Victim Blaming
• C. Providing greater protection to survivors
• D. Supporting more lenient sanctions specifically toward sex workers

Answer: (B)

Victim blaming is when the system places responsibility on the survivor for what happened rather than focusing on the crime and the perpetrator. In law enforcement, this shows up as disbelief, questioning the survivor’s actions or choices, and implying they deserved or invited the violence because of their work as a sex worker. That stance erodes trust, deters reporting, and can lead to weaker investigations or fewer supports offered, which effectively shuts down access to justice for sex workers. The stigma around sex work and the criminalized environment amplify this barrier, making it harder for survivors to come forward and receive proper help. The other options describe actions that would support survivors or reflect policy choices, but they do not capture the pervasive, disabling attitude of holding the survivor responsible.