Dear Sir,An article entitled “Woman sexually assaulted at knifepoint” appeared on The Royal Gazette’s website on September 22, 2020. In the article, Superintendent Nicolas Pedro, of the Bermuda Police Service, gave “good advice” to potential targets of sexual assault, he said, “don’t take unnecessary risks if you’re out there at that time of day” (‘that time of day’ in this case, being 6.30am en route to work) and “we just have to be cognisant of our surroundings and take all necessary precautions”. [Somewhat] respectfully Superintendent Pedro, you’re wrong and this is quite possibly the worst “advice” you could have given the public in the wake of this tragic circumstance — short of outright blaming the survivor of this tragedy. Through your comments, you have insinuated that the victim in this case contributed in some way to the reprehensible acts inflicted upon her. I can guarantee you that she did not. In a time of the post #metoo movement I read your comments with disgust. The conversation surrounding sexual assault should never be directed at what the victim was doing or wearing or where they were. Instead, all of the attention, conversations and efforts; especially those coming from the police service, should be squarely directed at decrying the actions of one person and one person only; the assailant — catching them and ensuring they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The fact that sexual assault in Bermuda is considered “rare” is inconsequential to the conversation. One case of sexual assault is one too many. Victims should not be blamed or shamed for the trauma that has been inflicted on them — especially not by representatives of the police force that is tasked with serving and protecting them. How can I possibly know the thoughts and feelings coursing through this victim’s body as she reads these comments you ask? I know because I have been there. I’m a survivor of sexual assault, which like this one, was a random assault, except what happened to me occurred in my own home at knife point — so tell me sir, what unnecessary risks did I take? Mr Pedro, your advice is wrong and offensive — do better. NICOLE RAYSouthampton