Norfolk & Suffolk: Anti-Rape Campaign

15 June 2012, 05:00 | Updated: 15 June 2012, 05:21

Suffolk and Norfolk Police have released a new campaign aimed at combatting rape and serious sexual violence.

The ‘Time to Stop’ campaign aims to raise awareness of sexual assaults in our region, particularly among young women and men aged 17 to 24.

It is hoped that the campaign, which has been supported by rape victims, will help reduce the number of sexual assaults.

Rape now accounts for 40% of all serious sexual offence cases, with many offences not being reported to police.

Assistant Chief Constable, Charlie Hall who leads Protective Services in Norfolk and Suffolk is telling Heart what they hope to achieve from the campaign:

Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Hall

Officers want victims to not only report rape, but to do so as early as possible.

The number of sexual offences reported to the police has been increasing each year since 2009.

As well as raising awareness of rape and sexual violence the campaign also aims to:

  • Educate prospective victims and their friends about personal safety. 
  • Educate prospective offenders on the law and consequences of committing acts of sexual violence. 
  • Raise awareness of the local services available to support victims. 
  • Increase confidence among victims in reporting to police and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

The campaign is being supported by a short-film titled – ‘Look What You Did’.

The film tells the story of three different victims and how they were helped by specialist local services.