Yes, you do have to account for yourself, but the exception is honest naivety.
It is everyone's responsibility, including the victim's, to ensure their own safety in this dangerous world, because ultimately we're all alone here. If you haven't yet realized this very real truth then now would be a great time. If you have a power in this world you also have a responsibility to use it rightly. If you have the power to predict a bad scenario then it is your responsibility to do your best to ensure it never comes about.
This is not a social law. This has nothing to do with society. This is selective pressure coming from the deformed animal within humanity that does indeed make a strong appearance in today's sick society. There is a great separation of those who have too much and those who have too little. Look into Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs if you want some sort of psychological understanding. We act out when we lack!
We are independent individuals: depending on others is a weakness as it places you at their mercy.Not actively protecting yourself when you are aware of being in a dangerous environment is called neglect, and in the end it doesn't matter who's fault it is - you were exposed, attacked and defeated because you live in a fairy tale idealistic illusion that left you a target.
If you were never taught this you can blame your parents for your naievity for they are without a doubt ultimately responsible for your future.
There is so much discussion about who's to blame and none about solving the problem!
Today's world is supported by the 80's generation. What happened to you, 80's generation?
Where is your wisdom and correctness? You justness with righteous reality?
Are you so socialized and drugged that you've forgotten the truth?
I think there's little point in addressing the Slashdot crowd with this question - they seem to be a better, more finely informed group than the greater populace.