26/11/2007

Rape Awareness TV Campaign Launched

A rape awareness television campaign has been launched by Greater Manchester Police in the run-up to Christmas.

The commercials, which are being screened across the North West of England, form part of a week-long awareness campaign aimed at trying to reduce the number of young women who fall victim to a rapist and increase reporting in the run-up to Christmas.

Police say that serious sexual assaults often take place between newly-made acquaintances or with people who known each other and often when they've had a drink.

The adverts show two people meeting up for the first time and enjoying an evening partying before a kiss and a cuddle gets out-of-hand.

The 60-second films show the aftermath from both the victim and offender perspective.

Police are hoping to drive home two messages - that sex without consent is a crime and can lead to a lengthy jail term and that there is help and support for people who have been sexually assaulted.

Detective Chief Inspector Carol Ashworth of Greater Manchester Police said: "We take rape extremely seriously and constantly strive to improve the service and support we give to victims. We empower them to make informed decisions about what they want the outcome to be and, where we can, make sure offenders are brought to justice.

"It is a very traumatic and upsetting time for victims, which is why we have specially trained officers who can give help and support from the initial report and throughout the investigation to going to court.

"Many young men, like in the commercial, don't realise the consequences of their actions and I hope the ad makes them understand that they are committing a crime if they fail to gain consent for sex."

(KMcA)


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