CAIRNS rape crisis workers have slammed police for saying that fewer sex attacks would happen if women drank less.
Far North Sexual Assault Service co-ordinator Clare Oppy said it was inappropriate to make victims of rape look like they deserved it.
"It is simplistic, however, to portray women as victims and men as perpetrators," she said.
"Simply telling women to avoid potentially dangerous situations is counter-productive as it reinforces women's sense of blame, fear and vulnerability, rather than enhancing their sense of agency and self-confidence.
"More effective community campaigns are needed to engage all men and all women to actively work to prevent sexual assault."
The Cairns Post yesterday revealed how Cairns police believed sex attacks in the CBD could be reduced if revellers did not drink to excess and did not go off with strangers.
"While we respect the individual's right to consume alcohol, we would be encouraging people to make responsible choices regarding who they drink with and the quantity they consumed," Cairns police's Sen-Constable Cary Coolican said.
Recently police have dealt with several cases where female victims of sexual assaults could not remember the incident because they were so drunk at the time of the offence.
Anyone with information about recent sexual assaults should contact Cairns police on 4030 7000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Family Planning Queensland, which can be contacted on 4031 3590, also has a help service for women who have been sexually assaulted.
