Rape Poll Draws Flak and ITV Apologises

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Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders’ singer, blamed herself for a sexual assault and added women  have to take responsibility.  Her remark was followed by a poll on whether rape was ever a woman’s fault in ITV’s Loose Women, a daily talk show centred around topical debate.

Rape Crisis for England and Wales, Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group and Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom took exception to the poll.  These groups considered the poll harmful to women, irresponsibly worded and off the scale of acceptability.  Many viewers also found the poll in the Loose Women programme ill-conceived and insulting.  Already Ofcom had received 53 complaints.  Instead of creating awareness about the impacts and prevalence of rape the programme, many believe, has reinforced myths and stereotypes with this insensitive poll.

ITV spokesperson said, “We always want to know what our viewers think about topical issues, however, we accept that the wording of the online poll was misjudged and we apologise for any offence caused.”  Last year, Judy Finnigan apologised for comments she made on Loose Women about rape.

ITV has apologised for offending the viewers.

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