Drinking

Health warnings on alcohol have a place in our culture, but fusing these with warnings to women to keep themselves safe is misguided and unhelpful.

Messages that women have a responsibility to limit their drinking in order to keep themselves safe simply divert responsibility and the focus of blame away from perpetrators and reinforce the efforts of men who choose to use alcohol as a means of facilitating rape – and excusing the assault.

Until this changes, women will continue to pay a heavy price for the double standard we apply where alcohol is concerned.

Have your say

“Rape seems to be the only crime where it's seen as ok to put the victim on trial.”

Natasha, Female from Glasgow

“Short skirts don't cause rape. Rapists cause rape”

Joss, Female from Connecticut

“About time something like this was shown on TV. Hopefully it will make everyone realise there cannot be any excuse for rape - EVER.”

Helzo, Female from Renfrewshire

Do you know?

  1. In what proportion of rapes is the assailant a stranger?