463. Doubting Accusers; Protecting Abusers
From Psychologists Off the Clock by Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Yael Schonbrun, Michael Herold & Emily Edlynn
June 9, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 463
About this episode
This episode discusses the societal dynamics that lead to the doubt of accusers and the protection of abusers, featuring insights from Deborah Tuerkheimer.
When a survivor speaks up, the world too often demands a 'perfect victim' before it offers belief, a painful reality that leaves many wondering if their truth will ever be enough. In this episode with Deborah Tuerkheimer , author of Credible: Why We Doubt Accusers and Protect Abusers , we hear about the “credibility complex,” including credibility discount and credibility inflation, rape myths, the “perfect victim” and “monster abuser” archetypes, and how victim-blaming and disbelief are reinforced by culture and legal rules. You’ll also learn about underreporting, the “second assault,” trauma-informed investigation, expert testimony on trauma dynamics, and how loved ones can respond supportively when someone discloses abuse. Listen in to understand why credibility judgments are patterned and how believing, validating, and offering help can change what happens next. Listen and Learn: The credibility complex and how social power dynamics cause the credibility of marginalized individuals to be discounted while powerful individuals receive an inflated boost Why society perpetuates rape myths and victim-blaming How the "perfect victim" myth is weaponized…
People in this episode
Hosts: Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Yael Schonbrun, Michael Herold, Emily Edlynn
Guest: Deborah Tuerkheimer
Topics covered
- credibility complex
- victim-blaming
- rape myths
- perfect victim
- trauma-informed investigation
- supportive responses to abuse disclosure
Keywords
- credibility
- abuse
- survivor
- legal system
- trauma
- investigation
- support
- victim
- disbelief
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Credible: Why We Doubt Accusers and Protect Abusers
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