Police withdraw poster that ‘blamed victims’ for sex attacks

By The Press Association11th April 2015News EnglandNews England, Rape, Sexual Abuse, Violence

Police have apologised and withdrawn a poster launched as part of a campaign to help prevent rape and serious sex attacks in and around bars and clubs.

Sussex Police issued the poster showing two young women posing for a selfie with the slogan: “Which one of your mates is most vulnerable on a night out?”

Beneath the question was the message: “Many sexual assaults could be prevented. Stick together and don’t let your friend leave with a stranger or go off on their own.”

But some campaigners said the poster – which was due to go up in washrooms of pubs and clubs and at bus stops across Sussex – blamed victims.

Now Sussex Police has announced it is cutting short the poster campaign, saying it was “well-intentioned” but acknowledged it had caused “some concern”.

Detective Superintendent Paul Furnell, head of public protection, said: “The way we have gone about this campaign has caused some concern. This was not the intention of our message and for that I apologise.

“We have listened to our partners and we have reached the decision to foreshorten this particular part of the campaign.

“The posters were not intended in any way to blame victims. I understand the concerns that have been raised about the poster and they will be withdrawn.

“I would like to stress that the posters were well intentioned with the sole aim of preventing people becoming victims of crime.”

The poster was due to have been the first phase of a campaign set to also include giving training and information to security staff and taxi drivers on what to do if they notice someone who appears to be vulnerable.

James Rowlands, strategic commissioner for domestic and sexual violence for Brighton and Hove, said: “I welcome Sussex Police’s decision to withdraw this poster, in recognition of the feedback they have received.”