West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre column

Somehow, this small, ginger bundle of fur has pretty much taken over everything — choice of car, dog-friendly holidays, furniture and I now own a disturbing amount of waterproof clothing.

Most of my spare time is spent walking him, twice a day in all weathers — I appreciate how lucky I am to be able to do so.

One of our favourite walks is through the local woods — some days we stick to the paths, other days we venture around the smaller, more isolated tracks, sometimes we wander into the dark woods.

My mind wanders too and I found myself thinking, ‘What if something happens?’

Would people say it’s my own fault?

What was she doing in the woods alone?

We live in a victim-blaming society, there are many myths and stereotypes surrounding rape and sexual violence and why it happens.

We tell women that they shouldn’t go out alone after dark, to watch what you wear, don’t get drunk/take drugs, make sure you stay with friends, don’t walk home alone — the list goes on.

We make women responsible for what happens to them rather than putting the blame where it belongs — on the perpetrators.

We still teach children ‘stranger danger’ but the reality is that in 86 per cent of rape cases against women the victim or survivor is raped by someone she knows.

In 45 per cent of cases she is raped by a partner or ex-partner.

Women are more at risk in their own homes and workplaces than they are in a dark alleyway at 3am in the morning or indeed than they are wandering around in the woods (even the dark ones).

Women should be able to walk where they want, when they want, to be safe and to live without fear.

It’s rapists who need to change their behaviour, not women.

If you have experienced any form of rape and/or sexual violence and abuse and need support, please contact us at www.wmrsasc.org.uk.

We work with women, men and children (aged 5+).

Our columnist Jocelyn Anderson is CEO for the West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC).