A Partnership for National Unity-APNU today called attention to remarks made by the Commander A Division Guyana Police Force. Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken speaking to the media today cautioned women and girls not to dress in a manner that encourages (rape) sexual violence.
The APNU press release said in part:
“While we try to prevent somebody from committing the offence we must ensure that we do not create an atmosphere for it to happen,” Hicken said; adding that “and that is why we advocate for young females within a certain age group who are vulnerable, between 13 – 18, to always embrace an attire that is accepted morally.”
Hicken said women and girls must ensure they do not dress in any manner that “plays into the agenda” of a rapist.
APNU affirms that this is wrong and sends a message to victims of rape that they were somehow responsible for the violence meted out to them.
These remarks attributed to a senior police officer show clearly the need for education at all levels of the force to sensitize ranks on this most heinous crime. Police officers must be educated to know that rapists are not overcome with sexual desire or that a woman who is raped may have dressed too seductively or “asked for it” in some manner. These ideas assume that rape is only a sexual act, a crime that is motivated by desire. It is not. Rape is a violent crime, a hostile act, and an attempt to hurt and humiliate another person. Sex is used as a weapon, and rapists use that weapon against women, strangers and acquaintances of all ages, races and body types.
