Women United is deeply disturbed by the voice recording circulating on social media in which a man
graphically recounts an alleged sexual encounter with a young woman who, by his own account, appears to have been significantly impaired and to have “passed out” on more than one occasion.
We understand that the matter has been reported to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and is under
investigation. We will not prejudge that investigation or the criminal responsibility of any person. We
must, however, address the profoundly troubling issues raised by the recording and the crude and callous manner in which the alleged encounter is described.
This incident demonstrates an urgent need for greater public understanding of consent. Consent to sexual activity must be freely and voluntarily given by a person capable of giving it. A person who is unconscious cannot consent. A person who is so intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs that he or she is incapable of understanding what is happening or making and communicating a decision cannot give meaningful consent. Where there is no consent to sexual intercourse, it is rape. Drinking is not consent. Going home with someone is not consent. Previous sexual activity is not consent. And unconsciousness is never consent.
Women United also strongly condemns the victim blaming and shaming that has accompanied some of
the public discussion. A woman’s consumption of alcohol, where she was, who she was with or the
choices she made beforehand do not deprive her of the right to bodily autonomy. We must stop putting
alleged victims on trial in the court of public opinion. Such treatment can silence victims and discourage
others from reporting sexual violence.
The public outrage surrounding this recording is entirely justified and should serve as a catalyst
for change. That collective outrage must now be translated into action — through education, advocacy
and a sustained national commitment to confronting the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate sexual violence. We must be resolute in challenging and ultimately dismantling the attitudes and
behaviours that have allowed a rape culture to take root and persist in our country. That education must begin with our children through age-appropriate teaching about bodily autonomy, boundaries and respect. As they become teenagers and young adults, we must speak frankly about consent, coercion, healthy relationships and the effect of alcohol and drugs on the capacity to consent.
And we must deliberately educate our boys and young men. They must understand that sexual intimacy
is never an entitlement, that masculinity is not measured by sexual conquest, and that another person’s
vulnerability is never an opportunity.
Women United calls for sustained education in our schools, colleges and universities and through
churches, youth and sporting organisations, workplaces, community groups and national television,
radio and social-media campaigns. Parents, teachers, coaches and youth leaders must also be equipped to have these conversations.
If we are serious about confronting an apparent rape culture in our country, we must challenge attitudes
that trivialise sexual aggression, celebrate sexual exploitation or conquest, and blame or shame those
who say they have been violated.
The police investigation must now be allowed to take its proper course. Women United expects a
thorough and impartial investigation and, if the evidence establishes a sufficient basis for criminal
charges, we expect the matter to be prosecuted and determined before a court of law.
This incident also causes us to raise a broader question about the administration of justice in cases
involving sexual offences. Women United believes that it is time for a national discussion about
requiring juries in sexual-offence cases to comprise an equal number of women and men. We
believe that gender-balanced juries would bring a broader range of perspectives to the determination of
these sensitive cases and strengthen public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the process.
Whatever the eventual outcome of this particular investigation, the national conversation must not
end when the voice note stops trending.
Let us teach our children differently.
Let us teach consent clearly.
Let us reject victim blaming and victim shaming.
Let us demand accountability.
And let us build a Bahamas in which the dignity, autonomy and safety of our women and girls are
respected.
