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

emma , 2534  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:23:20 +1000
Megan , 2358  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:21:37 +1000
Jacquie , 2029  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:20:52 +1000
Michael , 2119  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:20:02 +1000
Aviva , 2519  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:19:27 +1000
"As a survivor of pack rape, this has shaken me to the core. Councillor Mack, your comments appear to condone rape and blame the victim for being alone. There is no excuse for raping anybody and there is no excuse for blaming victims. In my opinion you ought to step down from your position as community leader, apologise sincerely to the victim of this heinous crime and to victims at large and get educated about this most important issue. How can we rid our society of violence towards women when people like you perpetuate the myth that it’s women’s fault if they get raped?"
Shannon , 2298  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:18:55 +1000
patricia , 2350  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:15:49 +1000
"What planet does this man come from and this cvertianly doenst say much about his attiutsde toweards women or how his mother was treated."
Joy , 2065  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:15:23 +1000
Lynn , 2761  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:13:44 +1000
"It is never the victim’s fault. Women never ‘invite’ unwanted attention. The mayor should do everything possible to make sure his female residents are safe by taking these young rapists off the streets. Someone knows who they are. This is the message the mayor should be giving."
Christine , 2575  /  signed 2015-04-30 23:13:00 +1000
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