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Newfoundland & labrador Sexual assault Crisis & Prevention Centre, Inc. |
Phone 709-747-7757 Fax 709-747-7758 |
Press Release
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Contact: Tracy Duffy Phone: 709-747-7757 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3:00 PM NDT, June 2, 2005 |
safety issues on the city’s walking trails
The NL Sexual Assault Centre wishes to encourage the public to
think about the real issues around sexual violence in our province.
In recent media reports, women were given the impression that it
may not be safe to walk city trails alone after dark. At our Centre, we feel that it is important
to note that the real issue around these sort of attacks, on public trails, and
other forms of potential violence against women, is that women do not have the
same privilege in society that enables them to walk alone freely after dark
without the fear of being attacked. Our
society needs to address the broader issue of public perceptions of who is
responsible for safety. Putting the onus
on women to not walk alone at night, or to walk always with a friend,
contributes to and perpetuates myths of victim-blaming that are already too
prevalent in our society. The real issue
is, why are women not safe to walk wherever and whenever they want? We need increased public awareness on issues
that are the root causes of violence against women, such as gender stereotypes,
inequality, and rape myths. We commend
the women who are brave enough to fight off attacks, and thereby escape further
harm, and we commend the women who choose to speak up against violence in all
forms, and seek support for doing so.
Our Centre provides ongoing public
awareness and education to combat these myths, and create a society in which
women will receive equal rights as men, including the right to walk anywhere at
night, without threats of violence for doing so.