Nottinghamshire Police has been accused of "victim blaming" after issuing a Facebook post suggesting women who walk alone at night are putting themselves at risk. The post, which has since been deleted, was prompted by reports that a woman had been followed by a man.
The force wrote: "Taking a risk when it comes to walking alone at night is not one of those things we should be doing. Women who walk alone especially at night are at risk of harassment, or even physical assault." The message also made reference to a "late-night store run", drawing particular criticism.
Helen Voce, chief executive of Nottingham Women's Centre, said she could not believe the post had come from the police. "It felt like a 1980s thing; it is so condescending, blaming women for going out and it's so sexist about us coming back from the shops," she said. "I think it makes women feel like it's their fault and that's ridiculous." She added that good advice should instead be directed at men on how to make women feel safer at night.
Several women responded to the post with criticism. One wrote: "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." Another said: "May I politely remind you it is 2019 and we no longer blame women for whatever crime has been committed against them?"
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson 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 would apologise unreservedly for any offence caused."
