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

grahame , 2290  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:55:10 +1000
Geen , 3640  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:54:48 +1000
"What planet or country is this man from? This man was elected Mayor? Is this an indication of the calibre of the Council members? If so, I’m sure glad I don’t live there. When I visited Albury some time ago, I was struck by the number of students, many of them female, that I saw. They would all be having to make their way to and from college, school, social events, sporting venues etc. Surely, they have the right to be safe in the town they live in? I am a 65 year old woman, who often walks or travels alone. I expect to be safe, providing I am aware of my surroundings, especially where I live. I certainly expect to have the support of my elected Councillors to do so. Mayor Kevin Mack should step down immediately."
susan , 2541  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:52:37 +1000
"This has nothing to do with the victim. Women should be able to walk anywhere freely & without worry of the pack- like behaviour of males who lack all respect of women. I demand an apology from you for all women."
Irene , 2170  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:48:34 +1000
Judi , 2558  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:42:58 +1000
Donovan , 2488  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:39:18 +1000
"Rape is not the fault of the victim"
Kris , 2105  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:36:56 +1000
"We should never have to walk in pairs to feel safe in this country."
Jan , 2350  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:36:21 +1000
"I was appalled to hear these comments when reading about it in the SMH…it is an unrealistic and out of touch statement. This man needs to resign from a position of influence and go off to live his life under a rock where he has obviously been living."
ruby , 2640  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:36:03 +1000
"while we all need to be aware, your wording will not help that person who was violently raped. She does not need more psychological crap to address. She’ll have enough damage from the crime itself, let alone dealing with what a respected member (mayor) of the community has said about ‘inviting’. This apology needs to be on front page of the BorderMail"
Margaret , 2902  /  signed 2015-05-01 11:32:00 +1000
"Instead of speaking out against women walking alone, you should talk to men about their behavior."
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