The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has come in for a barrage of criticism on social media over the past few days after they posted a controversial tweet about rape.
In a tweet that has caused controversy across Northern Ireland and other parts of the world, the dedicated police service has found themselves feeling the wrath of the unimpressed and angry public.
The tweet which has since been deleted seemingly caused a stir after the police service seemingly suggested that those who kiss under mistletoe without consent could face sexual assault charges.
However the PSNI have since defended the tweet, many Twitter users were left outraged with many complaining the tweet trivialised rape and that it was no joking matter.
In the tweet the PSNI said: “If you bump into that special someone under the mistletoe tonight, remember that without consent it is rape.”
Although it was almost deleted immediately the angry public weren’t long letting the PSNI know that message was highly inappropriate and that the tweet was highly insensitive especially to victims of sexual assault.
One angry user wrote: ” Seriously who write this tweet utter nonsense, how can you trivialise rape with this association.”
Whilst another wrote: “How can giving someone a smooch under the mistletoe can be considered sexual assault, sexual assault is no joking matter.”
Since the angry response the PSNI have moved to reassure the public by defending the tweet by saying it was taken out of context and it’s initial intention was to remind people that whist out socialising over Christmas that people who make unwanted advances are actually committing sexual assault.
They added without consent it is rape.