Suffolk: New Campaign To Keep Teens Safe in Relationships

7 March 2012, 15:04 | Updated: 7 March 2012, 15:08

Suffolk Police are backing a new campaign aimed at teenagers to keep them safe in relationships...

A hard-hitting campaign to prevent teenagers from becoming victims or perpetrators of rape is launched nationally today.

TV ads raising awareness of rape and sexual violence in teenage relationships will run on youth channels throughout March, followed by adverts on web and mobile channels.

The campaign is supported by a dedicated website www.direct.gov.uk/thisisabuse where teens can go to get advice and find information about organisations that can provide specialist help and advice.

Suffolk Constabulary is supporting the This Is Abuse campaign, with plans to work with schools across the county to drive home messages about abusive relationships.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Sedgwick, County Policing Command said: "There are many myths around rape and sexual violence in relationships and this campaign will help young people understand which is normal behaviour.

"If you have sex with someone who hasn't consented, or is incapable of consenting through drink or drugs, then this is rape - and young men need to be aware of the consequences."

The Home Office campaign, which runs throughout March and April, is targeting girls and boys aged 13 to 18.

Suffolk police aim to build upon this work by raising awareness of rape and sexual violence among young adults in a campaign to run later in the year.