Police accused of sexism after warning women not to go out alone
A POLICE force has been accused of victim blaming after issuing a “condescending” warning to women not to go out alone at night.
Nottinghamshire Police was accused of being “stuck in the 1980s” after publishing the advice on a Facebook page for Broxtowe North, a district in the west of the city.
In the post, women were warned that they ran the risk of being harassed or even attacked if they ventured out alone after dark, even if it was just popping to the shops.
Helen Voce, chief executive of Nottingham Women’s Centre, said it was an extraordinary message.
“It felt like a 1980s thing,” she said. “It is so condescending, blaming women for going out and it’s so sexist
‘It is so condescending, blaming women for going out, and so sexist about us coming back from the shops’
about us coming back from the shops. It makes women feel like it’s their fault and that’s ridiculous.”
The post referenced an incident on November 22 in which a woman was followed by a masked man, who fled after she ran off and called her husband.
“Women who walk alone, especially at night, are at risk of harassment, or even physical assault,” it read. “It is always best to walk with someone, or in an area where there are other people.”
The post prompted a backlash from locals. Amy Williams wrote: “We hope you mean, ‘Everyone should feel safe enough to walk alone at night and it is our job to make that happen’.”
Lauren Mccarthy said: “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.”
And Nina Douglas-bain said: “All people should be safe to walk the streets they live day or night. Do not blame the victim here. The blame lies solely with the man who was apparently considering he had a right to rob or assault another human being.”
A Nottinghamshire 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 apologise for any offence caused.”