Victim Blaming in Crimes Against Transgender People: Turkish Sample
Abstract
This study examined victim-blaming attitudes toward transgender individuals in Turkey by comparing perceptions of physical and sexual assault scenarios involving female, male, and transgender victims. Ninety-five participants (M = 27.81, SD = 12.45) evaluated six vignettes which depict either a physical or sexual assault with victim gender manipulated across conditions are used. Each scenario was followed by Likert-type items assessing perceived seriousness, traumatization, offender and victim responsibility, provocation, and preventability. Non-parametric analyses (Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests) revealed significant gender-based differences in perceived traumatization (χ²(2, N = 95) = 51.71, p < .001), victim responsibility (χ²(2) = 8.75, p < .05), and preventability (χ²(2) = 39.74, p < .001). Transgender victims were perceived more similarly to female victims, with lower perceived ability to prevent physical assault (Md = 2.00) compared to male victims (Md = 3.00). Male participants attributed greater responsibility and provocation to transgender victims (U = 762.00, z = –2.77, p < .05). Although offenders were largely held responsible, findings indicate subtle transphobic and gendered biases shaping victim-blaming judgments. Results underscore the need for awareness efforts to reduce prejudice and support equitable treatment of transgender individuals in the justice system.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
None
Ethical Statement
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Istanbul Arel University on October 14, 2022 (Decision No: 2022/20).
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