Sir, – I would second much of what’s Una Mullally writes regarding the cultural problems that serve to enable a large degree of male violence against women (“Telling women to be careful gets men off the hook”, Opinion, September 23rd). However, I feel her article implies a glaring fallacy that is important to refute.
Encouraging people to be aware in a tactical or practical sense regarding to their personal safety does not automatically strip criminals of moral responsibility. I take care not to walk down dark alleys in dangerous urban areas at night. If I neglected to follow my own advice and was attacked, would my assailant be any less morally culpable because of my recklessness? Of course not. Am I, therefore, going to neglect to watch my back in town at night? No way.
Let’s put the blame where it belongs, and at the same time encourage awareness, street smarts, a healthy suspicion of strangers, and self-defence training for anyone who might need it. (All of us). – Yours, etc,
EOIN MORRISON,
Riverwood Heath,
Castleknock, Dublin 15.