CLEVELAND Police have been accused of issuing ‘victim blaming’ advice following the rape of a teenager in Teesside.

On the morning of Wednesday, September 21, a 15-year-old was attacked while making her way along a cycle path in Stockton.

A statement issued by Cleveland Police in the immediate aftermath of the incident instructed young girls to walk in pairs in secluded areas.

A backlash against their suggestion saw members of the public and charities criticise the force for using “victim blaming” language.

The police’s advice was criticised by Women’s Aid as suggesting the behaviour of young women needs to change rather than those “who attack and abuse them”.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: “Whilst we understand the need for police to be taking some sort of action in response to this alleged rape, there is an issue with focusing on the behaviour of women and young girls.

“That kind of advice is inherently victim-blaming.

“The statement carries the implication that it is up to the woman not to get raped rather than up to the abusive perpetrator not to attack.

“It is difficult for the police but it could easily be the case that if another girl gets attacked, she will feel like it’s her fault as she was not with friends in a safe area.”

Nicky Harkin, CEO of rape support service ARCH North East, also warned against putting the onus on people to change their behaviour to avoid being attacked.

She added: “The perpetrator is only ever the person to blame in these circumstances.

“Extra vigilance is a natural reaction for most people, however victims also need to feel comfortable coming forward and talking to the police.”

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said some charities understood the force’s approach and said: “This was a fast-moving investigation following the report of a rape of a young girl on a secluded cycle path. Based on information coming in, and with a suspect outstanding, officers provided immediate advice to parents and teenagers in the local area through a media appeal on the day of the incident.

“In the aftermath of such a crime, detectives are often asked by journalists and the public what advice they would give to parents and communities to safeguard their children. The well-intentioned advice was given rapidly to prevent immediate harm, whilst detectives worked swiftly to identify a possible suspect.  

“Officers continue to provide prevention advice for many different crime types, to keep children safe, including advice to parents on steps they can take to protect their children from online grooming.

“Rapists are responsible for rape. Cleveland Police works with many charities to sensitively support victims.  We have spoken with Woman’s Aid and other support services who understand the approach taken.”

Several other police forces have been accused of adopting approaches that could dissuade women and girls from reporting rape, fearing they will be blamed for what happened.

Last year, Sussex Police dropped their campaign urging women to “stick together” on nights out to prevent sexual attacks after it was widely condemned.

In July, Avon and Somerset Police apologised after distributing pamphlets to teens during a talk on sex crimes and consent that were emblazoned with the message ‘R U Asking 4 It’.