Trigger warning: This post deals with sexual assault and may be triggering to some viewers.
Update: New South Wales police have since concluded their investigation for three men who were suspected for an alleged sexual assault against a 17-year-old girl.
Police have stated that the three men are no danger to the public.
Mamamia previously reported…
The mayor of Albury, NSW has said women who walk alone at night offer “an invitation” to be “taken advantage of”.
Mayor Kevin Mack’s comments come after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by three men in the town on Tuesday night.
The alleged victim said she was walking home from work at 6.20pm when the three men approached her on a footbridge. They reportedly dragged her into bushes and sexually assault her at knifepoint, before fleeing.
Following the horrific assault, the town’s mayor spoke out about the incident — but bizarrely, his comments appeared to condemn her actions, rather than those of the three accused perpetrators.
“I always have encouraged women not to walk alone, to have someone with them at all times, because that in itself is an invitation for someone to take advantage of you,” Councillor Mack said, according to an ABC report.
Related content: Priest victim-bames Jill Meagher.
But he stressed Albury is no less safe than other parts of the country.
“It’s a salient reminder to us all not to take what we have for granted, and to make sure we have appropriate safety in place,” Cr Mack said.
Backlash to Cr. Mack’s comments has been swift, with people taking to Twitter and Facebook to voice their disgust.
A petition calling for his apology over the “victim-blaming” comments has also emerged on change.org.
“This is cut-and-dry victim-blaming. It is a grossly false idea ingrained into our society which does not need perpetuating by public figures,” the petition reads.
“Perhaps instead discourage offenders from abhorrent behaviour, rather than insinuating that taking a walk alone in a park is inviting a criminal act.”
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NSW Police are appealing to the public to help identify the men thought to be responsible for the attack. They released a computer-generated images of the group today.
The first man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 180cm and 185cm tall, aged in his early to mid 20s, with dark mid-length hair and a slim muscular build. He was wearing a dark hooded jacket, tan-coloured jeans and maroon shoes.
The second man is also of Caucasian appearance and between 180cm and 185cm tall, with a solid build and light hair. He was wearing a dark hooded jacket, grey tracksuit pants and black lace-up shoes.
Related content: Rapist says a woman is far more responsible for rape than a man.
The third man is also of Caucasian appearance and between 180cm and 185cm tall, aged in his mid to late 20s, with a slim build and gaunt facial features. Police have been told the man had poor oral hygiene and was wearing a pale-blue hooded jacket with white print, black jeans and camouflaged shoes.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It doesn’t matter where you live, they will take your call and, if need be, refer you to a service closer to home.
Do you have a story to share with Mamamia? Email news@mamamia.com.au
Telling women not to walk alone at night is the wrong conversation, says Jamila:
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Top Comments
I don't necessarily agree with the choice of words.
i do however believe that as a female if i am to walk alone at night i do put myself at risk of such horrible things such as rape. Yes we should be able to walk freely & safely at what ever time wearing what ever but sadly there are some for different reasons will prey on us.
When i was a teenager my mother read alot of true crime books such as Anita coby & janean balding & watched true crime shows/doco's i read the books & would watch the programs with her & she would say things like always be aware of your surroundings never trust anyone & never leave a drink unattended etc & to fight your guts out scratch poke him in the eyes always have your keys ready & place a key between your fingers in a fist, i also signed up for a girls self defence class in highschool & a police officer advised us to always carry impulse deodorant & to slide it up our sleave so if we were in a situation we could spray it into the offenders eyes giving us enough time to run & get help ( its high in alcohol & burns like a b@#!* in your eyes) we also learnt exactly how to give a floor dropping kick to the balls in different positions face on, back etc , how to get out of certain positions eg male on top ( size & strength are nothing if you know these skills) always go for soft spots eg eyes balls palm to the nose you need a small amount of time to escape. I was educated in these from my mother & self defence classes.
What im saying is we need to educate both male & female (i am a mother of a 14 yr old & 12 yr old boys & twin girls) my boys are being raised to respect & appreciate everything including woman while my girls are being raised with the same i will also teach them to constantly be aware of there safety & to defend themselves.
As woman we are vulnerable & the society we live in we have to educate ourselves (as much as we educate our sons we need to educate & our daughters) & always be prepared because sadly there are people who will take advantage of our vulnerablity.
one day we may safely walk home after work or from dinner or go for a jog but its not today :(
I highly recommend self defence classes for every girl/female no matter your age. It could save you!!!
(Pardon spelling mistakes)
FFS. I for one will be teaching my daughter that sexual assault is NEVER the victims fault, however, I will also be teaching her that she shouldn't walk around alone at night as it is safer not to. It's all well and good to say that we should "teach boys not to rape", however there are always going to be weirdos and crazies that do.
I almost 100% agree. That is why as much as i am teaching my boys that they respect & appreciate. I will also be teaching my daughters to always be aware of their safety.
The only thing i disagree with is that sometimes you have to be out at night for eg a shift worker like a nurse etc you can't avoid such things. But i would make your daughter aware of the possibilities of things that may happen (when she is at a age to understand) & teach her to be able to defend herself & to constantly be aware & to try avoid being alone ,like to be with someone trusted, always let close ones know where she is plans etc &also to make sure she always has $$$ for a cab keep mobile on her eg in pocket or bra.
We should be able to walk safely at night but with things like mental illness , drugs & arseholes sadly no one is safe.