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Shah defends abuse comments

Former newspaper tycoon Eddy Shah has sought to clarify his comments that young girls can be "to blame" for the abuse they suffer. Shah told ITV News he was referring only to "historical" cases.

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Abused girls 'inviting rape' myth not new

Rape Crisis UK says that comments made by the newspaper tycoon Eddy Shah show a "disturbing lack of empathy" but sadly are not new beliefs.

The charity said the opinion that women and girls 'invited' rape was a common belief in some parts of society, and very damaging to the victims of abuse.

Eddie Shah's comments this morning were ignorant, offensive and shockingly misogynistic. Victim-blaming myths about women and girls 'inviting' rape through their dress and behaviour are sadly not new.

Even in that context, however, the argument that 'going out and having a good time' is a crime punishable by rape suggests a particularly disturbing lack of basic empathy and contempt for fellow human beings.

Rape is a terrifying and traumatic experience that can have lifelong impacts, regardless of the circumstances in which is takes place.

The 90% of survivors who know their rapist prior to the attack are no less affected than those who don't and are no more to blame for their experiences.

– Katie Russell, Rape Crisis UK
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Shah defends abuse comments

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