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Anger over Nottinghamshire Police's 'nightmare' rape poem | Anger over Nottinghamshire Police's 'nightmare' rape poem |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A police-authored poem which tells the story of a woman being raped on a Christmas night out has been branded "appalling" by a women's charity. | A police-authored poem which tells the story of a woman being raped on a Christmas night out has been branded "appalling" by a women's charity. |
Nottinghamshire Police's Nightmare Before Christmas, based on Twas The Night Before Christmas, is intended to raise awareness about sexual assaults. | Nottinghamshire Police's Nightmare Before Christmas, based on Twas The Night Before Christmas, is intended to raise awareness about sexual assaults. |
But Cathy Saunders, of Midlands Women's Aid, said the poem trivialised sexual violence and should be withdrawn. | But Cathy Saunders, of Midlands Women's Aid, said the poem trivialised sexual violence and should be withdrawn. |
The force denied the poem was offensive and said it was targeting attackers. | The force denied the poem was offensive and said it was targeting attackers. |
"I'm quite appalled that the authorities thought this would have the desired effect on perpetrators," said Ms Saunders. | "I'm quite appalled that the authorities thought this would have the desired effect on perpetrators," said Ms Saunders. |
"I personally think it should be withdrawn and replaced with something that has a little bit more insight and advice for women on how to keep themselves safe." | "I personally think it should be withdrawn and replaced with something that has a little bit more insight and advice for women on how to keep themselves safe." |
But Helen Chamberlain, from Nottinghamshire Police, said she did not believe the poem was misguided at all. | But Helen Chamberlain, from Nottinghamshire Police, said she did not believe the poem was misguided at all. |
"We have been heavily criticised in the past for focusing on victims and giving out persistent warnings to victims about keeping safe. | |
"This year we decided to try a different tactic and target the perpetrator. | "This year we decided to try a different tactic and target the perpetrator. |
"I accept it has caused a stir and caused people to talk and that's what it was meant to do," she said. | "I accept it has caused a stir and caused people to talk and that's what it was meant to do," she said. |
Another charity said the poem did not go far enough in depicting the effects of sexual assault on the victims. | Another charity said the poem did not go far enough in depicting the effects of sexual assault on the victims. |
Leonie Mountain, rape project manager at the Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors in Newark, said: "I am concerned this poem does not give out the impact rape and sexual violence has on its victims. | |
"The effects are - and can be - life-changing and very long-lasting. I don't think the poem depicts this." |
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