ABSTRACT
The chapter explores my research into rape myths, victim-blaming attitudes, and common reactions to trauma, with a focus on how individuals assign blame to victims based on how they react to sexual violence. It covers current literature surrounding these topics, a clear rationale behind the research, and an insightful researcher-practitioner perspective on why this topic is important to study. It also includes a breakdown of how my research was conducted, exploring the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and presents a summary of my findings, as well as discusses ethical dilemmas and considerations. The chapter finishes with a heartfelt reflection on the difficulties of conducting sexual violence research, promoting reflective practice and self-care, whilst offering reflections on the importance of self-compassion as a researcher.
