Chrissie Hynde has come under fire for suggesting women can be at fault if they are raped.

The rocker -- who rose to fame in 1970s band The Pretenders -- said she took ''full responsibility'' for her own sexual assault at the age of 21, claiming if women are dressed provocatively they can entice predators.

She told The Sunday Times newspaper: ''You know if you don't want to entice a rapist, don't wear high heels so you can't run from him.

''If I'm walking around in my underwear and I'm drunk. Who else's fault can it be?''

The 63-year-old singer's controversial comments allude to her own attack, which she recounted in her autobiography. The star was assaulted by a biker gang in Ohio, USA, at the age of 21.

She added: ''Technically speaking, however you want to look at it, this was all my doing and I take full responsibility. You can't f**k about with people, especially people who wear 'I Heart Rape' and 'On Your Knees' badges ... those motorcycle gangs, that's what they do.

''If I'm walking around and I'm very modestly dressed and I'm keeping to myself and someone attacks me, then I'd say that's his fault. But if I'm being very lairy and putting it about and being provocative, then you are enticing someone who's already unhinged - don't do that. Come on! That's just common sense. You know, if you don't want to entice a rapist, don't wear high heels so you can't run from him.''

Lucy Hastings of Victim Support hit back at Chrissie's controversial stance, insisting rape victims should not by blamed under any circumstance.

She told The Guardian newspaper: ''Victims of sexual violence should never feel or be made to feel that they were responsible for the appalling crime they suffered - regardless of circumstances or factors which may have made them particularly vulnerable.

''They should not blame themselves or be blamed for failing to prevent an attack - often they will have been targeted by predatory offenders who are responsible for their actions.

''It is critical that nothing deters victims of sexual violence from coming forward to the police or to independent organisations so they can get the help and support they need.''