One in seven think it’s okay to hit women wearing sexy clothes in public
One in seven people believe it is acceptable in some circumstances for a man to hit his wife or girlfriend if she is dressed in ‘sexy or revealing clothes in public’, according to the findings of a telephone survey by Ipsos Mori, released today.
A similar number believed that it was all right for a man to slap his wife or girlfriend if she is ‘nagging or constantly moaning at him’.
The findings of the poll, conducted for the Home Office, also disclosed about a quarter of people believe that wearing sexy or revealing clothing should lead to a woman being held partly responsible for being raped or sexually assaulted.
Although a majority of 1,065 people over 18 questioned last month believe that it is never acceptable to hit or slap a woman, the poll found that those aged 25-39 were more likely to consider that there were circumstances in which it was acceptable to hit or slap a woman.
Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, said: ‘Violence against women and girls is unacceptable in any form no matter what the circumstances are.’ She was speaking as she launched a police lead review of whether new laws are needed to tackle serial domestic violence abuses and whether there is a link between the early sexualisation of young girls and violent abuse.
One idea being considered is to allow women to ask police if a new partner has a record of domestic violence. A pilot scheme that allows women to request information on whether a new partner has a history of child sex abuse is currently underway in four police force areas of England and Wales.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS
