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

Ashley , 2038  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:31:36 +1000
Pam , 27828  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:31:16 +1000
"I wish men would encourage other men not to assault women, instead of making women responsible for not being assaulted."
Dale , 2159  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:31:06 +1000
"It’s time we stopped telling the victims that they need to protect themselves more & start telling the perpetrators to STOP ATTACKING WOMEN!!!!!!!"
Susan , 2325  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:30:59 +1000
"Why do you keep on blaming the victim? Your comments are an insult to women. I will move about freely in society and you should be defending my right to do so."
Ken , 2287  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:30:52 +1000
Amanda , 2147  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:30:47 +1000
"Going about our every day life is not an invitation to anyone to take advantage of us. I have a right to feel safe walking in the street, wouldn’t it be fairer to educate people not to hurt women."
Avis , 2500  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:29:51 +1000
"Women are entitled to walk home alone – get men off the streets as they are the problem!"
Brett , 2765  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:29:42 +1000
"violence is never invited and always wrong, especially against women and children"
Eszter , 2222  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:28:57 +1000
Alan , 2130  /  signed 2015-04-30 22:28:52 +1000
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