Sporting legend launches Twitter rant mocking victims of child sexual abuse as 'wimps' [TWEETS]

Kerry-anne Mendoza
28th November 2016

Darts legend Eric Bristow has prompted outrage over a series of tweets in response to recent allegations of child sexual abuse in the footballing world.

The Football Association has launched an inquiry into allegations of child sexual abuse after 20 prominent football players came forward with their experiences. While fellow sports stars and others have celebrated the courage of the footballers, Eric Bristow MBE felt differently.

https://twitter.com/ericbristow/status/803330575352393728

According to Bristow, the issue was not the abuser, but the failure of the alleged victims to tough it up.

https://twitter.com/ericbristow/status/803331340728995840

https://twitter.com/ericbristow/status/803331945476358144

In Bristow’s world, the alleged victims of abuse are not ‘proper men’.

https://twitter.com/ericbristow/status/803335373170573312

https://twitter.com/ericbristow/status/803351879170355200

The response to Bristow’s victim blaming

Bristow’s behaviour falls firmly into the camp of victim blaming, where victims of abuse and violence are shamed into feeling culpable for their own abuse. This in effect re-victimises those who have suffered at the hands of abusers – many of whom already experience guilt and shame about their abuse.

Social media users were quick to point out that Bristow’s behaviour was completely unacceptable.

Dear @ericbristow tackling child abuse is brave suggesting "proper men" attack their accusers is Fucking naive & ridiculous pic.twitter.com/3owzY4Qke8

— Janey Godley (@JaneyGodley) November 28, 2016

What goes through a bloke's mind before going on one of these rants? No one can really be that thick, can they?

— Jim Cognito (@JimCognito2016) November 28, 2016

what kind of utter shit calls survivors of sexual abuse wimps?

— Darius Quebec (@ksej) November 28, 2016

At time of writing, Bristow was unrepentant. Although, he did wish to correct an alleged typo.

https://twitter.com/ericbristow/status/803363896233000963

We suspect, and at the very least we hope, that Mr Bristow takes the opportunity to apologise to those he has so bitterly let down. The platform of public attention can be used to help raise awareness and support for those who find themselves facing abuse and oppression. It should never be used to perpetuate it.

In case the tweets are removed, you can view them here.

Featured image via Wikipedia

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