WORKING with clubs, bars, pubs and
universities across the county, Merseyside Police has launched its "KNOw
that No means No campaign" to raise awareness around consent and
reporting of sexual assault and rape.
Neon posters will be displayed in licensed premises in Liverpool, St Helens and
Wirral with messages around consent, who you can report incidents to and where
to get support if you're a victim of sexual assault or rape. Merseyside Police
has also launched a micro site:-
Know-Org.Co.UK with all the information and
links you might need.
Detective Superintendent Dave Brunskill from the Protecting Vulnerable People
team explained:- "Our bars, clubs and pubs are extra busy over the
Christmas and New Year period and we're using this time, as an opportunity to
get our message out to as many people as possible, that when it comes to rape
and sexual assault; no really does mean no. The majority of people who commit
rape know their victims and our message is simple; regardless of the
circumstances, sexual activity or intercourse without consent is against the law
and there are no excuses. If you report an incident to us, we will treat it very
seriously and will thoroughly examine your allegations, no matter how the
assault happened or when it took place. We have dedicated Officers who work
within our Unity teams, who are specially trained to deal with these types of
crimes and can offer the necessary help and support to victims. We know that
reporting such an incident to Police may be daunting, not to mention difficult
and upsetting, but you can report a sexual assault or rape without having to
speak to an Officer. On Merseyside, Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCS) are
available to offer advice and support. It's important to remember that if you've
been a victim of such a crime, you are not to blame and don't have to suffer
alone."
For more information around consent, dispelling the myths around rape and what
to do if you've been a victim, visit:-
Know-Org.Co.UK. You can also contact
Merseyside Police via:- 101 or in an emergency always call:- 999.
► Rape is when somebody forces another person to have sex against their will.
► Sexual assault is being forced or pressured to take part in sexual activity
now includes unwanted:- 'touching', 'sexting', being
forces to watch or be involved in pornography or sexual bullying.
