'The price you pay could be rape’: Police campaign accused of ‘victim blaming’

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A campaign by West Yorkshire Police warning young people against accepting free drinks and drugs at house parties has been accused of “victim blaming” on Twitter. Meanwhile, one user interpreted the poster’s meaning as “Let’s attack and blame victims BEFORE they are sexually assaulted so they won’t come for help and we can keep stats low?” before adding that “rape has nothing to do with ‘partying’.” Within the context of sexual assault, victim blaming is the term used to describe an attitude that suggests it is the victim rather than the perpetrator who bears responsibility. A spokesperson from the police force tells The Independent that the campaign was launched in partnership with The Leeds Safeguarding Children Board and The West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner following a consultation with young people’s groups across the region. “It was launched to address an emerging crime type of young people, both girls and boys, being lured to parties through the inducement of free alcohol or drugs by people seeking to sexually assault them,” the spokesperson tell The Independent, pointing out that the artwork does not just specifically address women, but men as well.