PA Liquor Control Board Suggests Victims Can "Control Tonight" (and Rapists)

This week, there was an outcry based upon ads from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, encouraging people to “Control Tonight.”  There have been many articles and arguments about the victim-blaming that the PLCB engaged in.  I believe many of these writers are more eloquent than I, and encourage you to read those articles. 

However, I wanted to add my voice because of the anger that I experienced when I visited www.controltonight.com.  Upon entrance to the website, you are taken to an interactive scenario, starting with the “end” of the night, specifically, the consequences that the individual or friend faced due to imbibing.  This screen said:  "Sexual Assault: That’s what Anne’s attorney will call it a month from now. She said no, but he kept going. And now, your friend is on his bathroom floor, bruised and victimized.” 

The website allows the user to “See how you could have prevented this.”  As a diligent web-browser, I clicked this button, which took me to what happened earlier that night.  It took me to 7:45 pm, saying:  “Redheaded Slut:  It’s the drink special on the blackboard at tonight’s happy hour.  Delicious!  You and Gina order another round.  It’s the perfect way to start a little innocent fun after a hard day.”

I was floored.  I would think that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board would have many people available who are familiar with a wide range of liquor-based drinks.  Why they felt it necessary to use a drink named to shame women and girls is not something I can understand.  I am pleased to report that they pulled both the ad and the interactive scenario, however, this is an opportunity that illustrates there is more advocacy to be done.  Victim blaming still exists, and victims of sexual assault need to be told:

It is not your fault.