Wellington Rape Crisis Appalled by Act on Campus Comment

Wellington Rape Crisis is appalled and concerned by the comment made by Cameron Browne, Vice President of Act on Campus, who told a woman on Facebook to “get raped” after she engaged in political debate with him.

“This comment is completely appalling and is disrespectful to all people that have experienced rape and sexual abuse” says Natalie Gousmett, Manager of Wellington Rape Crisis. “One in four females and one in eight males in NZ are likely to experience rape or sexual abuse in their lifetimes and many of these people would be upset and outraged at Cameron Browne’s comment”. Says Gousmett.

Wellington Rape Crisis believes using rape as a throw away insult like this can be harmful for survivors as it can retraumatise them and belittle their experience. This is something the woman involved has come forward about experiencing.

It has also come to light that her disclosure of sexual violence has been met by other members of the Act Party with accusations of being false. Something which Gousmett says is unfortunately common.

“This woman has bravely come forward about being offended by Browne’s comment, and has told her own story of assault. To be vilified and called a liar because of it is further perpetrating a culture which stops survivors from coming forward about sexual violence.”

Wellington Rape Crisis provides free counselling and support to hundreds of survivors of rape and sexual abuse of their families and friends every year and runs rape prevention education programmes through the Wellington Sexual Abuse Network.

ENDS

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