Home Politics & Debate
If you need urgent support, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. For Crisis Support (open 24/7) text THEMIX to 85258.
Read the community guidelines before posting ✨
Please help us out!

We have our annual survey out, asking a few questions about you, your needs and preferences, and the impact of our services. It should take around 5-8 minutes and by completing it, you will be entered for a chance to win a £200 Love2Shop voucher (in line with our privacy policy)

Click here to fill out our survey.

"Vulnerable" vs "at risk"

SienaSiena Posts: 15,758 Skive's The Limit
Hi. So on my corse i do in college i got told that we shouldnt be using the word vulnerable when talking about things like sexual exploitation. I completely agree with this.
Ive used services where they are still using this word. It makes you think that they are partly to blame for the horrible things that have happened just because they take advantage of you. I think it helps victum blaming. But i think saying youre "at risk" put more blame on the abuser, which is how it should be.

Because lets say someone with a mental illness is vulnerable to sexual abuse, it makes them seem like they have some blame for being ill. But jut makes them more at risk of abuse.
I dont know how else to explain this better but it makes complete sense to me. But places are still using vulnerable. Does anyone else agree with this? Or disagree?
~Probably dead now

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,315 Wise Owl
    I don't really understand
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,315 Wise Owl
    This is the definition of at vulnerable..

    exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
    "we were in a vulnerable position"
    synonyms: in danger, in peril, in jeopardy, at risk, endangered, unsafe, unprotected, ill-protected, unguarded; More
    (of a person) in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, or risk of abuse or neglect.

    People say I am vulnerable.

    This is the definition of at risk..

    exposed to harm or danger.
  • SienaSiena Posts: 15,758 Skive's The Limit
    Hi. Sorry i didnt make this clear but the word vulnerable sounds like its their fault. I know the definition says something else. People who use services think that the words make them to partly blame. And i got told that services will be using at risk instead now. And i cant use the word in my assisgments
    ~Probably dead now
Sign In or Register to comment.