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

Richard , 2283  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:09:27 +1000
Katrina , 2482  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:09:22 +1000
"As the mother of a daughter who feels unsafe just walking around her small town, due to harrassment by young men, people in positions of leadership need to help change attitudes. The comments made just blame victims and absolve the criminals. There is never any excuse for sexual violence ever."
M , 2533  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:07:35 +1000
Irene , 2262  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:07:33 +1000
"I would hate to think that simply by walking in my own neighborhood for exercise or for whatever reason, I would be placing myself at risk of attack from some perverted male."
Bernadette , 2024  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:05:00 +1000
Alan , 2025  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:04:44 +1000
"I try to do my bit to eradicate violence – particularly sexual.
I cannot understand any male who has an urge to harm any woman. After all we are all brought into the world by women.
How can a man not love his mother or allow someone to attack a woman who should perhaps one day bring a male into the world, nuture him, love him and influence the way he behaves?"
belle , 2042  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:04:40 +1000
alison , 2062  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:03:41 +1000
Renee , 2079  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:02:59 +1000
Ranjana , 2482  /  signed 2015-05-01 07:02:39 +1000
"Walking alone is NEVER an invitation to be taken advantage of."
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