I refer to the controversy created by the police poster on rape as printed in the Argus, April 8.
I fully sympathise with the anger and frustration felt by women when it comes to the matter of rape.
However, I did not see that the police message was saying that women are to blame when it happens.
Yes, we can always argue about how sensitive such a message can be, but if we put aside the emotions aroused, it is just asking women to take certain precautions for their own safety.
It seems to be common sense and does not imply that women are to blame.
No one has the right to violate another human being as happens in rape. Women have every right to move freely in our streets and in their homes.
But sadly, we do not live in a perfect or ideal world and human nature has terrible flaws.
The harsh reality is that there are predatory men in our society who are not inhibited by conscience or by law.
Sarah Green, acting director of the End Violence Against Women coalitions, says: “We need to talk to those who may perpetrate rape and deter them.”
This presumes that we know in advance who is going to rape and that they are amenable to persuasion. Or are we going to put up posters such as ‘Rape is wrong – you violate another human being’. This is hardly going to be a deterrent.
There are many nasty rapists in our society who should be punished severely when caught, but unfortunately such men will always exist, so it is sensible that women take care to protect themselves.
Syd Ledbie
Hove
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