Rape Reduction Is Target For 'Be SMART' Campaign

Although the number of rapes being reported in Northern Ireland is falling, a new police campaign was launched this week to try to bring down the tally even further.

Police have said there have been 184 actual or attempted attacks since September.

PSNI Detective Superintendent Karen Baxter said: "Sex without consent is rape and any subsequent conviction will have life changing implications for the victim and the accused."

The Head of the Police Service's Rape Crime Unit continued and said that a public information campaign to help reduce the incidence of rape is being advertised in Belfast, Londonderry and at the province's universities over the busy social Easter period.

In a joint initiative by the Police Service and DHSSPS, supported by the NIO Community Safety Unit, the campaign, which was piloted in December 2008, urges women to watch how much they drink on a night out and warns men that sex without consent is rape.

The Be SMART campaign will feature in washroom posters in pubs and clubs.

Between March and August last year there were 203 rapes or attempted rapes, compared with 184 since then.

Ms Baxter added: "This campaign was piloted last Christmas and the indications are that it has contributed towards a reduction in this type of crime.

"The overwhelming majority of people we've spoken to have welcomed the initiative for its simplicity and focus."

Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said sexual violence in any form was unacceptable.

"Young people need to be aware of the risks posed by excessive drinking and the impact this can have on their behaviour," he said.

"I hope this campaign will encourage people to make more informed, responsible and healthy decisions about their alcohol intake, and also to think about the possible harmful consequences of impaired judgment."

(BMcC/JM)