Rape and drink link highlighted

RAPE campaign aims to raise awareness of dangers

PARTYGOERS in Oldham are being warned of the dangers of drinking too much and leaving themselves vulnerable to rape and sexual assaults.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched a rape awareness campaign aimed at reducing such incidents over the Christmas period, while increasing the reporting of attacks.

Between April 1 and October 31, there were 526 rapes and attempted rapes reported in Greater Manchester.

Alcohol featured in approximately two thirds of these and this figure is expected to increase in the run up to and over Christmas.

Posters will be distributed to licensed premises in Oldham with the warning, “No Consent, No Sex”, and to remind women on a night out to “Let your hair down, not your guard”.

Det Insp Andy Rigby said: “Too much alcohol can create a false sense of security and cause them to be more vulnerable to crime. Binge drinking can inhibit a person’s ability to react and respond to circumstances.

“In such a state they can be in greater danger of becoming a victim of rape”.

The campaign is also being used to highlight the effects of rape, the importance of reporting it and the support available.

Mr Rigby said: “We also want to encourage people to report rape to us. We have a dedicated team of detectives who deal with rape and sexual offences. Victims can be assured that we they will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

There are a number of other organisations in place to support victims of rape, such as St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, the Victim Support and Witness Service and Rape Crisis.

TV and radio adverts will also run to support the campaign.