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.

----

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

Lyndsey , 2118  /  signed 2015-05-01 15:41:52 +1000
"Cr Mack get over yourself. We should not have to “protect” ourselves from men. MEN NEED TO CONTROL THEMSELVES and if they can’t, remove them from society and stop suggesting we need to be chaperoned. For crying out loud what bloody century are we in???"
warren , 2118  /  signed 2015-05-01 15:36:58 +1000
Jack , 2203  /  signed 2015-05-01 15:29:27 +1000
"My friend and former Mayor of Albury, the late John Roach, would never have spoken in this boorish, jejune and unhelpful way. Australian men should have the crass machoness exorcised from them between the ages of three and 40. The country has at least 8 million males right now needing this education."
Mary , 2800  /  signed 2015-05-01 15:28:05 +1000
Donna Marie , 2041  /  signed 2015-05-01 15:20:40 +1000
Noel , 2446  /  signed 2015-05-01 15:18:49 +1000
"’ A woman walking alone is inviting attack’? Make the victim responsible Disgraceful comment, Cr. Mack. You have forfeited your right to represent, at least, the female population of Albury, and should resign immediately.

Noel Smith"
Barbara , 2048  /  signed 2015-05-01 15:12:15 +1000
"A man committed the crime and could not control himself. He needs a role model to show him how to respect women not someone who thinks women should stay at home. Women should be free to move around as much as men."
Jan , 2452  /  signed 2015-05-01 15:06:26 +1000
Mark , 2042  /  signed 2015-05-01 15:02:42 +1000
Lareena , 2454  /  signed 2015-05-01 14:57:00 +1000
"Women should never take responsibility for exercising their freedom. When a man is beaten up, it is never suggested that he should not have been out that late at night etc. etc. Reclaim The Night is a powerful movement that reflects my sentiment entirely. I will not be intimidated and live in fear and hence live a diminished life."
← Previous  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  …  23  24  Next →