This in from Hampshire Constabulary, in their own words. Ed
A hard-hitting campaign to educate teenagers about sexual violence and abuse to prevent them from becoming victims or perpetrators of rape was launched yesterday.
The campaign has been launched in light of recent survey results that show a third of teenage girls and 16 per cent of boys report that they have experienced some form of sexual violence from a boyfriend or girlfriend. NSPCC research also shows that the highest proportion of sexual abuse (66 per cent) is perpetrated by young people under 18 years old.
Educating young people
Hampshire Constabulary is supporting the national ‘This is Abuse’ campaign through the rape prevention work it has been doing with pupils in schools and colleges across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Hampshire Officers have been delivering the forces ‘Staying Safe’ programme, with support of the local Sexual Assault Referral Centre, to pupils in Year 10 and above for over 18 months.
The programme aims to educate young people on the law regarding rape, the issues of consent for both young men and women within sexual relationships, the risks and consequences which often follow from drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs and having a sexual encounter and the police procedure.
‘Don’t Cross the Line’ aimed at over 18s
The force also has a campaign targeting over 18 year olds as the messages around unacceptability of sexual violence and coercion remain just as important.
The campaign branded ‘Don’t Cross the Line’ targets men specifically and raises the issue of consent and getting consent before entering into sexual activity. This is a slight twist on previous campaigns that have largely been aimed at women. Don’t Cross the Line, however, does also provide information to empower women and encouraging them to say no when they are in a situation they are not happy with.
DCI Ben Snuggs said, “We are seeing an increase in younger victims and perpetrators of serious sexual offences and often it’s the case that they know each other. Data shows that experiences of sexual assault and pressure to have sex can start well before the age of 16. It is becoming increasingly important to equip young people with the confidence, understanding and resilience to withstand this pressure and protect themselves from abusive relationships.”
For more information see the official website
