We all know that when it comes to rape, it should be obvious that the victim is never to blame. We’d also think it would be important that anti-rape messaging targets perpetrators.
So we’re not surprised that there’s been an online backlash against the latest anti-rape campaign from Sussex Police.
In a poster aimed at preventing rape in the area, two young women are shown taking a selfie on a night out, with the caption:
‘Which one of your mates is most vulnerable on a night out? The one you leave behind.’
The sub-text adds:
‘Many sexual assaults could be prevented. Stick with a friend and don’t let your friend leave with a stranger or go off on their own.’
The posters caused a massive backlash online with people stressing their concern at the messaging on Twitter:
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Seriously @sussex_police, could you please be clear that rapists cause rape, and preventing it is not the responsibility of my friends.
— Itsmotherswork(@itsmotherswork) April 4, 2015
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Or @sussex_police Men On a night out don’t let your mate go off and rape someone. @sussex_police Be ashamed. Be very ashamed. #VictimBlaming
— Carole Solazzo(@CaroleSolazzo) April 4, 2015
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@Bigoldsupermoon @sussex_police no perpetrator in this picture? Rape is something that “justhappens” to women on their own? @EVB_Now
— Claire OT (@claireOT) April 4, 2015
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for those who think the Sussex Police poster is fine/ not blaming women at all for rape, this is the one they need pic.twitter.com/4JZkSD2gD7
— Hazel (@miss_scottie) April 8, 2015
Sussex Police has now pulled the poster campaign, after thousands signed a petition protesting the messaging.
