Hontiveros tells Angono cops: Clothes don’t cause rape, rapists do

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday chided the Angono police for its reminder on how to prevent rape as she finds the information material “gender insensitive.”

“The Angono police’s anti-rape flyer lays unwarranted blame to rape victims. The material that they issued is not only an insult to many victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence, but it also sends a wrong signal that women are raped because of our actions or preferences,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

A flyer posted on the Facebook page of Angono Municipal Police in Rizal province drew flak for putting the blame on women.

READ: Angono police draw flak over ‘how to prevent rape’ FB post

The police office issued tips that include advising women not to wear short clothes.

Hontiveros, an advocate of gender equality, reminded the police force that a woman’s clothing choice does not cause rape.

“Clothes don’t cause rape, rapists do. Instead of “teaching” women how to dress “appropriately” and limit our choices, our police force should help in educating the public, especially men, that forcing themselves upon women is unacceptable and constitutes rape,” she said.

Despite being disappointed, Hontiveros offered her help to the Angono police force in training their personnel in producing gender-sensitive information materials and programs.   /vvp

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