Edmonton radio station criticized for online poll about sexual assaults

EDMONTON – An Edmonton radio station is stirring the wrath of the public and politicians with an online poll asking whether women deserve some of the blame for being sexually assaulted.

The poll on 630 CHED’s website gave people the option of voting no — victims should never be blamed, or yes — women who drink too much and dress too little put themselves in harm’s way.

The station received scores of angry messages on social media..

The station’s brand director, Syd Smith, apologized on air for the phrasing of the question, saying it lacked context.

The station rephrased the question, noting it grew out of a community debate about how women are still blamed for being attacked.

The poll was later removed from the station’s website.