[www.inewsguyana.com] –The main Opposition – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – has wasted no time in denouncing comments made by Police Commander Clifton Hicken; admonishing girls and women not to dress in any manner that encourages rape/ sexual violence.
“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 had 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.”
In response, the APNU reaffirmed that rape is wrong and remains a violent crime; adding that Hicken’s comments 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,” the APNU added in a statement.
The Party says 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,” the APNU statement noted; adding that “sex is used as a weapon, and rapists use that weapon against women, strangers and acquaintances of all ages, races and body types.”
![Opposition Leader, David Granger. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/David-Granger-.jpg)
In 2013, some 38 persons were reportedly raped. Last month alone, 11 persons were raped; representing a 31% increase when compared to the statistics for 2013.
The ‘A’ Division Commander says the issue is now on the “front burner” of issues to be addressed in his division.
On the note of prevention, the Commander urged women and girls to always dress in a manner that is “morally acceptable.”
Well said Mr. Hicken please do continued to spread that message.
That the head police giving his ranks marching orders the women looking to be raped. What a commander to have teaching his ranks. Where are the women rights group. Wake up police will do nothing They need training of the fact and reality. Some old man idea. Old fashion thinking. The women cause it to happen. Blame them. Sorry sir you are absolutely wrong here
Mr. Hicken you sound like a good christian. I must congratulate you on your moral call. you’re in order! But mr. Hicken, please allow me to remind you that 90% of the opposition is morally bankrupt. Starting from Rupert, Harmon,Greenidge, Granger, right down to Alex Foster the rapist. So don’t be discourage, continue to serve and protect.
Rape is a violent crime but it is also an opportunistic crime. The way you dress , the places you go, the people you trust too much can also make you more vulnerable.Each person would do well to take maximum precautions to protect themselves like in the case of any other crime.