Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 5 has been pulled off store shelves in Target retail stores across Australia over its controversial depiction of violence against women.

A group of women started a Change.org petition calling on Target to withdraw the game from its shelves. As survivors of sexual violence, the women felt the game sent a dangerous message to players. “It's a game that encourages players to murder women for entertainment,” the petition reads. “The incentive is to commit sexual violence against women, then abuse or kill them to proceed or get 'health' points – and now Target are stocking it and promoting it for your Xmas stocking.” As of this writing, a total of over 41,000 supporters have backed the petition.

Target general manager of corporate affairs, Jim Cooper, admits the company’s decision to stop selling Grand Theft Auto 5 was made after they received “extensive” community and customer concern. "We've been speaking to many customers over recent days about the game, and there is a significant level of concern about the game's content," Cooper said in a statement. “We've also had customer feedback in support of us selling the game, and we respect their perspective on the issue. However, we feel the decision to stop selling GTA5 is in line with the majority view of our customers.”

I understand the concerns of these women in regards to its violence against women, but Grand Theft Auto 5 doesn’t single women out. Instead, anyone and everyone can feel the rage of your character at any time. Even wildlife can be murdered if you’re able to track them.

[Update: Kmart Australia has now announced they have also ceased selling Grand Theft Auto 5 as a result of customer feedback. A Kmart spokesperson shared the following statement:

"Following a significant review of all content in Grand Theft Auto Games, Kmart has taken the decision to remove this product immediately. Kmart apologises for not being closer to the content of this game."]