NOTTS Police have come under fire for a poem which a women's group says trivialises rape.
Women's Aid have urged Notts Police to remove the poem entitled "The Nightmare Before Christmas" from their website.
The poem was written based on the accounts and victims and attackers.
It is based loosely on the festive rhyme The Night Before Christmas and focuses on the consequences of rape
The poem reads: "It was the night before Christmas when all through the house,
"Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse,
"Until she stumbled in, a mess, all lipstick and hair,
She had been attacked but wasn't sure how or where."
Cathy Saunders from the Nottingham branch of Women's Aid said the poem was a disgrace and should be withdrawn.
Ms Saunders reportedly said: "I'm quite appalled that the authorities thought this would have the desired effect on the perpetrators and it does tend to trivialise rape and the effects on the victims."
Chris Cutland, former chief executive of Women's Aid and now deputy Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner defended the campaign.
She said: "The intention is to draw attention to the male perpetrators of rape not to trivialise rape or sexual violence in any way.
"I feel the work raise awareness oft this hideous crime is a positive move and should be viewed in that light.
"I am glad the police have taken the trouble to focus on the perpetrator and not the victim."
Notts Police have said it was aimed at those who could potentially carry out an attack.
Notts Police superintendent Helen Chamberlain, Head of Public Protection said: "Issuing safety messages for people who are out enjoying Christmas festivities is a valuable way of helping to protect , in the main women and girls from sexual attacks.
"However, sometimes, constantly reiterating these messages can make women feel that they are at fault if they are attacked because they didn't look after themselves enough.
"We want women to know that if they are raped or sexually assaulted, they are not to blame."
Superintendent Chamberlain added the poem had been written in an attempt to combat the attitudes of attackers.
She added: "Our message to men is that it's not acceptable to take advantage of a woman because she has had a drink or is being sociable. And women shouldn't have to tolerate or be forced to guard themselves from predatory behaviour."
"If a woman has had something to drink or is talking to you, sharing a lift with you, it doesn't necessarily mean she is consenting to any sexual contact."![]()
