FALSE VICTIMS

I have witnessed and heard instances of a disturbing trend that seems to have become more prevalent--an increasing number of individuals who:

--Lie, even when telling the truth would be more beneficial.

--Abuse drugs, often manipulating the medical system with phantom ailments to obtain prescriptions.

--Believe they are entitled to money, food, housing and any other benefits they can obtain from welfare or other government agencies, through any means.

--Pursue indiscriminate sex, which many times results in a child or children they can use as weapons against any who might be sperm donors and/or their families, and to manipulate welfare and other systems to provide resources.

--Are often aggressive, attacking others verbally and physically, then twisting situations to wear the banner of victim, mobilizing police and courts against their supposed attackers.

--Neglect, abuse, manipulate and terrorize their children to the point these children will do and say anything to avoid their wrath.

These individuals are almost exclusively female, and choose their victims cunningly from among the many (mostly men) who fall into the trap of easy sex; from soft-hearted individuals who want to help them; from systems and individuals that think they are defending the vulnerable; from people who know better but have serious concerns for the children involved. 

Perhaps you've been unfortunate enough to see these individuals in action. You may have even been duped into being sympathetic to them. They have honed their role of victim to an art and are masters of manipulating others. 

These people stir up a frenzy of drama, then retreat to smugness while systems and other social crusaders complete the destruction of others' lives and further damage the psyches of the children involved.

How can we reverse this trend? Like many issues facing society today, this is too complex to be insulted with generalizations and one-size-fits-all assumptions. But the first step is simple: recognize it exists. 

Next, question any claims of someone being a victim. Do not assume because someone claims they have been threatened or harmed in some way that this is true. Remember, some people have built their lives on lies and twisting circumstances to suit their purposes.

Unfortunately, the machinations of false victims call into question the dire circumstances of those who have legitimate concerns for the safety of themselves and their children, and who truly do need help to survive. These people may be any gender, and many times suffer in silence rather than bring more danger by speaking up.  

Another step is to listen--really listen--to what the alleged perpetrator/attacker has to say. Once again, remember that false victims are masters at manipulating others. They manipulate you and your emotions. They also manipulate those they accuse and are cunning about choosing someone who may not have made wise choices in the past. 

Examine each case individually. Examine your own prejudices even more thoroughly. If you have been victimized in the past as I have, be aware you will see any situation through the lens of your own experiences. Don't jump to the conclusion that the man is the abuser and the woman is the victim. There are usually mistakes and bad choices on both sides. 

Finally, do not let false victims off the hook with sympathy and welfare benefits. False victims should be held accountable for their intentional, despicable actions. If they choose not to change and atone for what they have been done, they should be removed to where their actions can be neutralized and where they cannot damage more children and destroy more lives.