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

Kerry , 2527  /  signed 2015-05-01 19:41:38 +1000
Natalie , 2120  /  signed 2015-05-01 19:33:38 +1000
"Responsibility & blame must fall on the perpetrators of crime, not the victim. Does the Mayor tell men not to walk alone?"
Carmen , 2153  /  signed 2015-05-01 19:26:41 +1000
"I can’t believe someone would say this. shocking"
Penelope , 2008  /  signed 2015-05-01 19:21:37 +1000
Julie , 2104  /  signed 2015-05-01 18:57:40 +1000
"Thoughtless comments such as the one made by the Cr. Mack serve to continue entrenched attitudes towards women in relation to sexual assault.
Both men and women need to feel safe and that walking alone is not inviting assault of any type. Berate the perpetrators please, not the assault victims for placing themselves in harm’s way by trusting that they are safe to walk about alone."
Jennie , 2077  /  signed 2015-05-01 18:48:32 +1000
"ANYONE should be able to walk alone without fear!"
Monique , 6050  /  signed 2015-05-01 18:39:57 +1000
Jenny , 2256  /  signed 2015-05-01 18:12:42 +1000
Matt , 2095  /  signed 2015-05-01 18:11:31 +1000
Leigh , 2060  /  signed 2015-05-01 18:06:31 +1000
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