A NEW video has been launched as part of a police and partner agency campaign to tackle serious sexual crime.
It tells the story of what at first appears to be an ordinary night out for a group of young men and women. But a few too many drinks in a bar lead to unexpected and unwanted consequences.
It can be viewed on {http://youtu.be/1SEuT5iCRQU|YouTube|YouTube}.
The video is part of a joint campaign between Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Rape and Incest Crisis Centre (NRICC) and Serenity, the county’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), who are working together to raise awareness of sexual crime, highlight the consequences of committing a serious sexual offence and encourage victims of rape and sexual assault to come forward and talk to specialist staff about what has happened.
There are two versions of the video. The first one aims to drive home the message to men that if a woman is too drunk to know what she is doing, she cannot consent to sex – it doesn’t matter that she hasn’t said ‘no’ or physically tried to push them off.
The second version aims to encourage victims to contact Serenity and talk to someone about what has happened. If they then decide to report it to the police, Serenity will help them do this and provide support and advice, but the police do not have to be involved.
Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can report it to Northamptonshire Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. In addition, there are a range of services available, which offer support and advice, including:
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Serenity) 01604 601713 www.serenitynorthants.co.uk
Providing a sensitive and confidential service to anyone in Northamptonshire who has been a victim of rape or serious sexual assault
Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 www.victimsupport.org
A national charity giving free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, family and friends
Rape & Incest Crisis Centre (NRICC) 01604 250721 www.nricc.com
Providing confidential advice, counselling and advocacy on rape, incest and sexual abuse