Rape Crisis Scotland

An open letter to Amazon

“We were disgusted to hear this morning that you are selling "The Pedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure: a Child-lover’s Code of Conduct" and that you have refused to remove it from your store. As a rape crisis organisation we are contacted daily by survivors to whom child sexual abuse has done untold damage, often under the guise of "love" or some other pretence or delusion that it is some kind of legitimate sexual leaning. Child sexual abuse is no such thing - it is a serious criminal act which ruins lives. And make no mistake about it - child abuse is what this title incites and encourages, and until you remove it from your catalogue, we will no longer be using you as a supplier, and will urge others to do the same.”

This is just the latest in a long line of products stocked by Amazon which promote rape and sexual assault. Previous complaints have resulted in the removal of such items, although it seems that every item must be protested individually as Amazon refuse to take a stand themselves or acknowledge any sense of responsibility in the marketing of these materials. In peddling this criminal trash for profit, Amazon are aiding and abetting those who abuse and exploit women and children the world over. In their willingness to defend the titles like "The Pedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure", they are a contributing to sexual abuse, and it’s time they got a grip and acknowledged that.

We feel convinced their sale of this title must be in breach of the law – what do you think?

If you want to send your own views to Amazon, you can do so at http://amzn.to/bmyt54 or call 0800 496 1081 to make a complaint.

Rape Crisis Scotland

There have been 7 comments so far

1. Linda T

   16 Nov 10, 2:28pm

   I have just read that Amazon have withdrew this particular book. Shame on them for having it available in the first place. The good thing is that it illustrates how activism and the targetted withdrawal of our consumer power can work. We need to share examples of where this normalisation and condoning of abuse is happening to make sure we can respond and put pressure on companies who are making money.

2. Cathy

   15 Nov 10, 9:01am

   It would appear Amazon is no better than any other sleaze monger and as such, we will no longer be purchasing from them. Due to Amazon's morally & ethically reprehensible decision not to remove this book from sale, we take pleasure in severing our ties with this company.

3. Barbara Hönsch

   14 Nov 10, 4:07pm

   Thank you. That's exactly what I think about this book and amazon.

4. Mairead Macdougall

   12 Nov 10, 10:24pm

   Surely it is a criminal offence to publish and sell this??? Who's the publisher? They should also be boycotted.

5. Leanne Hogg

   11 Nov 10, 4:22pm

   I for one will boycott them. Does anyone know who there competition is? So long as they have a conscience I'll use them. Hitting them in the pocket is the only way.

6. Michelle

   11 Nov 10, 2:33pm

   That is horrendous that a huge supplier like amazon sell such a disgusting book about issues that damage peoples lives!

7. Maria Harvey

   11 Nov 10, 2:17pm

   Excellent, thank you. Have retweeted you using the #BoycottAmazon hashtag.

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