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Earlier this week I became aware, via Sociological Images, of a controversial ad campaign, entitled This Is Not an Invitation to Rape Me, that recently launched in Scotland. The campaign features postcards and posters depicting women and men in various states of intimacy, women drinking at a part together, scantily clad women, and so on – each poster, along with the picture, bears only the words: "This is not an Invitation to Rape Me .co .uk"
The website referenced by the posters goes into more detail in dispelling rape myths like, "Myth: a woman raped after consenting to any level of sexual activity is to blame for giving mixed signals" and "Myth: a woman raped whilst wearing revealing clothing is to blame for leading a man on."
This campaign has been questioned, by Sociological Images and other sources, on its effectiveness. Critics wonder if the lack of text on the posters themselves is a good idea, as many people might not take the incentive to look up the website later on. In addition there has been some questioning as to whether or not the campaign is too obvious – after all most people know that rape is wrong regardless of what the victim was wearing/doing/saying prior to the assault.
I, for one, think this campaign is right on track.
One of the biggest problems we face as a global society today, in terms of rape, is victim blaming. Victim blaming is common enough that it happens on TV, in movies, in newspapers, in conversation. Victim blaming is harmful – it creates serious guilt in the minds of many rape victims, who are forced to wonder if they were really raped or beat themselves up over what they should have done… when they deserve to be supported so they can heal. Amplify is a project of Advocates for Youth. Terms of Use. Disclaimer.
