Albury

Win! Walking alone is not "an invitation"

CAMPAIGN UDPATE: Cnr. Mack has now issued an unreserved apology for his comments. Read more here. Thanks to everyone who was part of this campaign.

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This week, after a young woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in the town, Albury Mayor Kevin Mack reportedly told media: “I always have encouraged women not to walk alone, to have someone with them at all times, because that in itself is an invitation for someone to take advantage of you.”[1]

Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. Violence against women is at epidemic levels in our country -with 1 in 5 women sexually assaulted in their lifetime.[2] Victim-blaming is part of the problem: undermining efforts to hold those perpetrating the violence accountable for their actions, and causing additional trauma for victims. We need to focus on perpetrators of violence and making it clear that violence in any form is not condoned.

As Mayor, Cr Mack is in a position to influence and shape community attitudes – can you join the call for the Mayor to retract and apologise for this comment, and show residents what his council is doing to prevent violence against women?

*If you've experienced sexual assault or family violence, you can access 24/7 counselling and support at 1800 RESPECT.

Reference

1. Images of three men released after teenage girl raped at knifepoint in Albury, NSW, ABC news, 30 April 2015.

2. Myths and facts about sexual assault, Rape and Domestic VIolence Services Australia.

777 SIGNATURES SO FAR

To Cr Mack,

We urge you to publicly retract and apologise for your victim-blaming statement, and show residents what your council is doing to prevent violence against women. 

Signed,

* required fields

Latest activity

Wilbur , 2605  /  signed 2015-10-18 12:00:52 +1100
Merrian , 2483  /  signed 2015-08-29 17:08:02 +1000
Philippa , 2192  /  signed 2015-07-12 22:47:58 +1000
Jenelle , 2304  /  signed 2015-05-31 23:05:08 +1000
"I was attacked by a family member whilst a guest in his parents home. Was that my fault? NO it wasn’t, but by your standards it would gave been, Mr Mayor. Violence IS NEVER the victims fault!!!!!!"
Beryl , 2007  /  signed 2015-05-16 18:13:09 +1000
"Every woman and indeed everyone should be able to walk where they choose in Australia without fear of assault. Billions are spent on security obviously more of this has to be spent on police presence around all towns so that Australian citizens can walk without fear."
Cathryn , 2480  /  signed 2015-05-12 16:28:10 +1000
"Rape is an issue for all women. The threat of rape limits our access to the public spaces of our cities and towns. Women are never ‘asking for it’ by walking alone and no statement should ever reflect this. Perhaps Cr Mack could apologise on behalf of the men of his town for their unacceptable behaviour and take action to make his town safe for all women."
Andrew , 2358  /  signed 2015-05-10 17:56:53 +1000
brian , 2480  /  signed 2015-05-10 07:45:59 +1000
"Sexual assault is NEVER the fault of the victim !"
Robin , 2750  /  signed 2015-05-08 11:23:57 +1000
Sharon , 2326  /  signed 2015-05-08 06:26:59 +1000
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