Sussex Police in dock over rape ad

A Sussex Police ad campaign warning women to be safe on a night out by ensuring their friends are not left on their own or go off with strangers has been slammed by anti-rape campaigners for suggesting it is the victim’s fault if they are attacked.
The poster depicts two girls taking a selfie on a night out, alongside the text: “Which one of your mates is most vulnerable on a night out? The one you leave behind.” It goes on: “Many sexual assaults could be prevented. Stick together and don’t let your friend leave with a stranger or go off on their own.”
The posters are set to be displayed in bus stops and in pub and nightclub toilets, and Sussex Police Chief Inspector Katy Woolford said: “Rape is never a victim’s fault, but as with all crimes we can reduce the number of victims in several ways. It is vital to be aware of vulnerability so that steps can be taken to guard against it.”
But campaigners claim it suggests that victims are responsible for sex attacks. Sarah Green, acting director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, branded the ad “infuriating”.
She said: “We need to get beyond police campaigns giving instructions to women on how to behave to be safe. We need to talk to those who may perpetrate rape and deter them.”
But others have rubbished the criticism, calling the campaign “sensible”. The Tory parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion Clarence Mitchell told the Mail: “I’m quite sure that Sussex Police in no way intended to imply that women are somehow responsible for any attack. This is an entirely sensible campaign.”