Rape campaign posters withdrawn by police

Sussex Police has withdrawn posters which appeared to ‘blame victims of rape’.
Assault poster SUS-150804-092820001Assault poster SUS-150804-092820001
Assault poster SUS-150804-092820001

The force was critisied when it realeased posters of young women on a night out and urged friends to help prevent rape. Campaigners said the police shgould focus on the perpertrators of crime and not the vicitms. A petition was launched to have the posters withdrawn and today (April 10) Sussex Police apologised.

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.

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“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 I understand the concerns that have been raised about the poster and they will be withdrawn.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.

“Sussex Police is determined to continue to raise awareness of this issue and, with the support of partners, target those who seek to exploit and abuse vulnerable people.

“Together we are committed to tackling all violence against women, girls, men and boys and will continue a campaign that will focus on rape and sexual offences that will deal with consent, perpetrators, prevention, awareness, education and vulnerability.”

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James Rowlands, strategic commissioner for Domestic and Sexual Violence for East Sussex County Council, said, “I welcome Sussex Police’s decision to withdraw this poster, in recognition of the feedback they have received. I look forward to working with them in the future as we, and our partners in Sussex, have a shared commitment to supporting victims, raising awareness about consent and most importantly holding to account those who commit rape or sexual assault.”