Beginning as an article quoting sexual assault stats for Wellington central city, this article goes from dancing precariously on the edge of the victim blaming precipice, then decides to leap right in.
Police say the number of attacks on drunk young women is growing. "They are binge-drinking, make poor choices and can't keep themselves safe," Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell said. "That's a worry and that's the preventable part of it."
It does redeem itself later on, however:
"Why should the whole responsibility for a situation be put on women? The bottom line is we should be able to walk down the street or do anything without the threat of sexual violence."
However, in a flagrant display of stupidity on behalf of the Stuff.co.nz staff, the article was opened up to comments, enabling the victim blaming champions to have an absolute field-day, with the small, plaintive voices of reason being drowned out by a throng of privileged males (and a few females) screaming "She asked for it!" and "She was dressed provocatively!".
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I find it very disturbing that the preventable part according to a DETECTIVE SENIOR SERGEANT!! is the woman drinking, not preventing someone from taking advantage of the woman in then first place, by telling them it's not okay.
I don't see any evidence that the police are excusing the behavior of the rapists, just that they're educating people on steps they can take to protect themselves! You can't necessarily know/prevent every guy who wants to date rape a woman, but the woman can take steps to make herself more secure. Geez, I'll never forget the time I got drunk in Tijuana & wondered off from my gropu & my best friend was worried sick. It was years ago & I still get grief about it. Some will object that this is condescending but its not the 30-somethings that the cops are trying to educate, but the 18-25yo's who don't have the experience to know better.
I have to agree. There are really two separate issues here. One is sexual assault and the other is alcohol misuse and abuse.
Victim blaming is the default in our society. It doesn't matter if the victim is sober, married, a sex-worker, a kid, etc. There will always be an excuse made for why the victim--women especially--is at fault. And this attitude absolutely needs to be challenged.
On the other hand alcohol + youth is really not stacking up to be conducive to a safe environment. People are deluding themselves in our culture looking for a safe drinking environment. It just doesn't exist. It's almost getting to be an oxymoron---at least for certain demographics.
Therefore I have no problem addressing the role of alcohol in the context of sexual assault and rape when young people especially hit the town. Drinking in public isn't a right. It's a privilege to be treated with respect.
Women to need to be taught good choices, just like men do. But NEVER should a poor choice be used as an excuse to blame the victim. I do not believe that its a privilege to be treated with respect, although I do understand what 'spike the cat' is saying. It should never be a privilege to be safe and secure. A victim of assualt should never be blamed, no matter what her circumstances were.
I do not believe that its a privilege to be treated with respect
Ooops I see where I wasn't clear! I meant to say that in some settings drinking is a privilege to be treated with respect.
How embarrassing. Thanks for that catch!
Oooh thank goodness! I was shocked that anyone would say that being safe is a privilege. Dont be embarrassed, I do horrible typos all the time. :)