Is it victim blaming or an assessment of what could have been done to prevent an attack? It's a matter of perspective really, but I recommend avoiding the gaslight. The idea of victim blaming is a form of gas lighting (which is to say an insidious form of manipulation and psychological control) that tricks people into thinking that they should not assume responsibility for their own safety. Danger is always lurking, so best to be prepared and never let a would-be attacker have the upper hand.
Let's move the clock back on our hypothetical victim to before an attack. Instead of saying "what should have been done that could have prevented an attack," let's ask "what can I do to better ensure my safety thus resulting in the likelihood of becoming a victim being far less?" I recommend starting with the perspective of "I want to have maximum awareness and preparedness to ensure my well-being and that I am comprehensively responsible for self." With this mentality, there is no stopping you. A person with this frame of mind is proactive and always thinking; is alert and always learning.
It takes drive and motivation to get into the above "mode." To find one's drive, inspiration usually plays a part, but the inspiration doesn't have to be a traumatic event. I challenge you to find and surround yourself with others who have this mentality. This is a key part of the foundation of resiliency; you are the sum of the five or six people you hang around with most. Let them be inspiring and confident friends that care about their own, as well as your wellbeing and together, you can be a situationally aware force better able to deter a traumatic event.
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