Time to stop rape campaign launched

14 June 2012

Time to stop...

That is the message from police as a joint campaign to prevent rape and serious sexual offences is launched across Norfolk and Suffolk.

The campaign, which is being supported by victims of rape, aims to raise awareness of rape and sexual violence in Norfolk and Suffolk, particularly among young women and men aged 17 to 24.

In line with national trends, reported serious sexual offences in Norfolk and Suffolk have shown year on year increases since 2009 - with rape accounting for 40% of all cases.

And while confidence in reporting has risen in recent years, rape remains a hugely under-reported crime and officers are keen for victims to not only report rape, but to do so as early as possible.

The ‘Time to Stop’ campaign was launched today at Norwich bar Vodka Revolution, in the heart of the city’s clubland – where police in both counties will concentrate their efforts to raise awareness over the coming months.

It was supported with the release of a new online film, available on Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies’ YouTube channels, which tells the story of three victims and how they were supported by specialist care provided by the independent Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs*).

Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Hall, who leads Protective Services in Norfolk and Suffolk, said: “Reducing incidents of serious sexual violence and bringing offenders to justice are priority issues for police in both Norfolk and Suffolk.

“Rape remains a hugely under-reported crime. In launching this campaign, we aim to not only reduce the number of people affected but also to fill those who have been assaulted with the confidence to come forward to police, or to other specialist services locally.

“The campaign will build upon the work already undertaken by police and partner agencies to improve the response and service to victims of rape and sexual violence in Norfolk and Suffolk.”

While sexual violence can affect people from all backgrounds, it is young women aged 17 - 24 who figures show are at most risk in Norfolk and Suffolk. Equally young men aged 17-24 are the highest offender group. In 2011 in both counties, in the majority of rape cases, the victim knew the offender and more often than not, incidents occurred at either the victim's or offender's home.

As well as raising awareness of rape and sexual violence the campaign also aims to:

• Educate prospective victims and their friends about personal safety.
• Educate prospective offenders on the law and consequences of committing acts of sexual violence.
• Raise awareness of the local services available to support victims.
• Increase confidence among victims in reporting to police and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

Det Chief Inspector David Cutlerwho leads specialist police services for victims of sexual violence, said: “Our message to young women is to be aware of your personal safety because rapists are, more often than not, a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

“Too often our officers will see young women who are the worse for wear and who have either wandered off or been abandoned by their friends on a night out. This can make them incredibly vulnerable.

“Look after yourself and your friends when you are out, watch your drinks and always organise safe transport home.

“However, if you have been assaulted know the police and SARCs are here round-the-clock to take your call and to help.”

Lynn Ambrose, manager of the Suffolk SARC The Ferns, said: “Rape is a subject that provokes strong emotions and opinions and misconceptions about rape are widespread. This is why it is really important for people to know about our service and what we do at the SARC to support any person who has experienced rape or serious sexual assault at any stage in their lives.

“Figures show that only around 11% of victims will report to police which means 89% of people never report and these are the ones we, at the SARC, need to reach.

“Victims can contact us directly and will receive the very same service they would if they chose to report to the police. We don't put any pressure on them to report. We can securely store evidence gained and if they decide to report at a later date we will be able to help and support this process.”

Linda Hillman, Public Health Consultant for NHS Norfolk and Waveney, added: "We want to ensure women who unfortunately are in circumstances where they need the support of the SARC have access to timely non-judgemental, good quality healthcare and have the medical checks they need. The services at SARC link closely to mainstream healthcare, so if, for example, the person feels worried they may have a sexually transmitted infection, professional care and testing will be offered.

"The healthcare offered will not interfere with the involvement by the police - healthcare is healthcare, and completely confidential, whether the person wants to tell the police or not."

The Time to Stop campaign will run throughout the summer, Christmas, the New Year period and beyond. During this time adverts will be played on local radio stations, posters will be put up in bars and nightclubs and officers from both Constabularies’ night-time economy teams will distribute postcards to partygoers highlighting key facts about rape and personal safety.