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

Arthur , 2232  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:45:33 +1000
Therese , 2049  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:45:22 +1000
eric , 2600  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:44:43 +1000
Robyn , 2579  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:44:03 +1000
"I am a woman. Woman live in fear of being attacked or sexually assaulted. It is a subconscious awareness all the time. It is never a woman’s fault if she is attacked. She should be able to walk naked and alone in a badly lit area without being attacked. If she is attacked, it is the attackers choice to do so., not the woman’s fault for being there."
Lillia , 2050  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:43:30 +1000
Josef , 2008  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:43:21 +1000
Siobhan , 2601  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:42:31 +1000
Julia , 2085  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:42:03 +1000
Luisa , 2011  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:39:54 +1000
"Do you think all women need a chaperone?

What if the chaperone attacks me?

I’m also told that my partner is most likely to attack me, or someone I know, so should I walk with a stranger?

But you know, stranger danger?

So I should just stay home?

But many women get attacked and killed in the home????"
Gwen , 2800  /  signed 2015-05-01 10:39:34 +1000
"While probably made with the best of intentions, this comment by Cr Mack takes us back decades and places an unacceptable burden on women. What then is the difference between Australia and Saudi Arabia where women are required to have a male guardian at all times. Cr Mack should be more concerned about ensuring the parks and streets of Albury are safe for all."
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