REVELLERS in Warrington are being alerted about the dangers of rape over the festive period, as part of a national campaign.
Posters are being distributed throughout the area as part of National Rape Awareness Week along with a local radio promotion to support emotive national TV advertising.
They warn that having too much to drink leaves people vulnerable and likely to take risks they wouldn’t normally take. National statistics show around 60 per cent of rape cases reported involve alcohol.
Cheshire Police is supporting the campaign, which hopes to get people openly talking about the issue and to take positive action when it comes to safeguarding themselves.
It has invested in specially trained officers who investigate rape and provide skilled support to victims from the time they report an incident through to bringing a prosecution against an offender.
DS Angela Burns works as part of the team responsible for establishing the best ways for Cheshire Constabulary to provide policing services for vulnerable people.
“We work with independent, dedicated support services such as the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre. They have trained advisors who provide long-term support and advice for victims and by working closely with them we can really support anyone who has been a victim from the time a report is made, through the investigation, right through until justice has been done.
“The Criminal Justice System is also there to support victims and in Cheshire we have access to 13 lawyers who are specially trained in prosecuting rape cases. We work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to get the best outcome for the victim – the successful prosecution of the offender.”
For more information, tips on staying safe or help contact:
* Cheshire Police – 0845 458 0000
* Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC for Cheshire and Merseyside) – www.rapecentre.org – 01925 221 546
* Rape Crisis – www.rapecrisis.org.uk – 0808 802 9999
* Women’s Aid – www.womensaid.org.uk – 0808 2000 247
Festive rape warning
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
