A campaign to challenge a culture of victim blame has been launched as a series of radio adverts hit the airwaves.
The Stop Blame campaign aims to dispel the myth that victims of rape or assault are in any way responsible for the heinous crimes that they suffer.
Victims of rape or sexual assault may be reluctant to report the crime for fear of being judged as responsible for what has happened to them. The campaign aims to put an end to this attitude by showing victims, perpetrators and the public that the blame lays solely with the assailant and not with the victim.
Wales’ Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant said:
“Victims or rape or sexual assault are in no way responsible for what happens to them. Apparent justification such as ‘she was too drunk’ or ‘she was asking for it’ just doesn’t wash. This attitude can be extremely damaging for the victims and we must put an end to it now.
“There is absolutely no excuse for committing rape or sexual assault and the blame should never be placed on the victim.”
Paula Hardy, Chief Executive of Welsh Women’s Aid, said:
“Welsh Women’s Aid and the violence against women sector in Wales have been working closely with the Assembly Government in the development of the campaign. We welcome its launch, which proactively challenges the myths around victim blame, and we hope this will lead to greater justice and support for survivors of rape and sexual assault.”
The Welsh Assembly Government campaign launches on Friday 17 December with a series of radio adverts, outdoor posters and online advertising. The campaign is supported by the stopblame.org website which aims to challenge the blame culture and also features information and advice for victims.
Carl Sargeant also had this message for victims of rape or sexual assault.
“If you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault, please remember that you are not to blame. Help is available and it’s essential to speak to someone as soon as you can to discuss what you’ve been through and get the advice that you need to keep you safe and healthy. Log onto the campaign website to see how you can find help.”
