‘Sexual assault is always avoidable:’ Government official offends thousands with tweet

A tweet released on the government of Massachusetts Twitter account suggesting sexual assault is 'always avoidable' has caused outrage across the world.

rape

by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

Meant to mark the end of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the tweet read: 'Sexual assault is always avoidable,' but was later taken down after commenters deemed it ignorant and insensitive.

One user wrote: 'The only person to blame for rape is the rapist.'

Geoff Jula, director of Mass.gov released further tweets apologising for the mistake.

'I deeply regret the message sent last night regarding sexual assault and apologise to all sexual assault victims.'

The administration later apologised for the error

'We in no way meant to suggest that victims of sexual assault are to blame for the crimes committed against them.'

'To learn more about what you can do to combat violence or if you need assistant, please see this blog: ow.ly/wn0oy.'

Governor Deval Patrick described the tweet as a 'dumb mistake,' and confirmed that this is not the view held by his administration.

'Victims of sexual assault are in no way responsible for these crimes; the perpetrators are,' he added.

Executive director of the Boston Rape Crisis Centre said that the wording had implied there was something an individual could do to stop being sexually assaulted.

The Massachusetts government added that the author of the tweet had made a simple mistake and that they are now going through an editorial review process - to ensure the content sent out on social media is appropriate.

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