A police force has been accused of “victim blaming” for suggesting that women should not walk alone due to the risk of attack.
Nottinghamshire police said in a Facebook post that walking unaccompanied “especially at night” was a risk women should not be taking, following a report of a man acting suspiciously towards a woman.
The post, which was swiftly deleted, said: “Taking a risk when it comes to walking alone at night is not one of those things we should be doing. Women who walk alone especially at night are at risk of harassment, or even physical assault.”
The message, which prompted a backlash on social media, was also criticised over its mention of a “late-night store run”.
Helen Voce, the chief executive of Nottingham Women’s Centre, told the BBC she could not believe the post had come from police.
“It felt like a 1980s thing; it is so condescending, blaming women for going out and it’s so sexist about us coming back from the shops,” said Voce. “I think it makes women feel like it’s their fault and that’s ridiculous.”
She added that police should be giving men advice on how to make women feel safer at night. “It’s men that need to change their behaviour,” she said.
A police spokesman said: “We recognise this was a clumsy attempt to communicate an incident with the underlying intention of keeping people safe.
“The post was swiftly deleted as soon as it was brought to our attention. Feedback has been provided and we would apologise unreservedly for any offence caused.”
Responding to the post, by the force’s Broxtowe North police team, one Facebook user wrote: “We all hope you mean: ‘Everyone should feel safe enough to walk alone at night and it is our job to help make that happen’.”
Another user responded: “When I read this, all I feel is fear and am reminded again, that as a woman I’m not supposed to be in public spaces. Change the narrative please!”.
While another said: “May I politely remind you it is 2019 and we no longer blame women for whatever crime has been committed against them?”
