An advertising campaign from the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) will tell women to 'let your hair down, not your guard', whilst warning men 'Rape: short word, long sentence'.
Acpo said the ads have been launched to coincide with Christmas because the party season brings with it an increase in rape and sexual assaults as more people drink large amounts of alcohol, leaving themselves vulnerable to attack.
Acpo lead on rape Dave Whatton, chief constable of Cheshire, said: 'A large proportion of reported rape cases feature alcohol as a factor - whether it is consumed by the victim or the offender.
'The Christmas party season is obviously a key concern for us which is why we have embarked on this awareness campaign. Ultimately we want to prevent rape from occurring in the first place, by arming potential victims with key advice on how to keep themselves safe.
'Rape ruins lives. It has devastating and often long-lasting consequences not only for the victims, but also their families and loved ones. Those convicted of offences can face lengthy jail terms along with being placed on the national sex offenders register for life.'
The ads also encourage victims to come forward and report rape to police as well as highlighting the specialist support which is available to them.
Rape Crisis (England and Wales) national coordinator Christine Bennett
said: 'The powerful TV adverts depict how events can take a change of course with no apparent warning.
'The police and criminal justice system are committed to bringing more offenders to justice and to increase confidence in the systems in place to enable and empower victims to deliver evidence and statements in a supported and safe environment.'
'We are extremely pleased to see the launch of a campaign which highlights rape as an important issue among young people,' Fay Maxted, CEO of The Survivors Trust added.
Acpo said the ads have been launched to coincide with Christmas because the party season brings with it an increase in rape and sexual assaults as more people drink large amounts of alcohol, leaving themselves vulnerable to attack.
Acpo lead on rape Dave Whatton, chief constable of Cheshire, said: 'A large proportion of reported rape cases feature alcohol as a factor - whether it is consumed by the victim or the offender.
'The Christmas party season is obviously a key concern for us which is why we have embarked on this awareness campaign. Ultimately we want to prevent rape from occurring in the first place, by arming potential victims with key advice on how to keep themselves safe.
'Rape ruins lives. It has devastating and often long-lasting consequences not only for the victims, but also their families and loved ones. Those convicted of offences can face lengthy jail terms along with being placed on the national sex offenders register for life.'
The ads also encourage victims to come forward and report rape to police as well as highlighting the specialist support which is available to them.
Rape Crisis (England and Wales) national coordinator Christine Bennett
said: 'The powerful TV adverts depict how events can take a change of course with no apparent warning.
'The police and criminal justice system are committed to bringing more offenders to justice and to increase confidence in the systems in place to enable and empower victims to deliver evidence and statements in a supported and safe environment.'
'We are extremely pleased to see the launch of a campaign which highlights rape as an important issue among young people,' Fay Maxted, CEO of The Survivors Trust added.
No comments:
Post a Comment