The Metropolitan Police issued advice after a surge of sexual attacks on women in a small area of London. Detective Constable Laura Avery said:
“I would appeal to women in the local area to take care when they are walking, especially if they are alone, always stick to well-lit streets. If possible, let someone know when you are coming home and the route you are taking, and always be alert in your surroundings, so don’t use earphones or handheld devices.”
In response, many women saw this is as victim blaming. One Tweet was notable for its sarcastic outrage:
“WOMEN! Don’t drink, don’t flirt, don’t walk home alone, don’t wear a short skirt, don’t use headphones, don’t talk on the phone… How about, just once, TELL MEN NOT TO ATTACK US! I’m so sick of this victim-blaming BS. Male violence is NOT our fault.”
As a woman, I think this is over-sensitive. I can’t understand why anyone would be angry by advice given to women that aims to promote awareness of the dangers of lone walking and how to better protect yourself in case of sexual predators.
For me, it’s much like the advice given to pay attention when crossing the road. Accidents happen when you are not aware of the dangers that surround you. Similarly, most people will go about their business without hurting or attacking anyone who passes them on their journey. Unfortunately, there is a tiny minority of people who do not uphold the law and they do commit sexually violent offences.
I for one, would be happy to hear this advice as a younger version of myself. At this stage in my life I am already aware that I need to protect myself, and so steer away from using headphones late at night whilst on my own. I also keep my handbag close to me, sometimes I carry my keys in my fist and often take alternative routes if I feel threatened in any way. In effect I carry out my own risk assessment every time I am vulnerable to danger. Is this not a normal thing to do?
We cannot presume that every woman has this much common sense, so this advice could potentially save a person from becoming a victim of a terrifying ordeal! How can that ever be a bad thing?
“Under the pier” by Gael Varoquaux is licensed under CC BY