Suffolk Police launch rape awareness campaign

POLICE IN Suffolk have teamed up with their counterparts in Norfolk to launch a campaign which aims to lower the number of rapes and serious sexual offences carried out in East Anglia.

The launch of the campaign has come about because there has been a year on year increase in the number of reported serious sexual offences in Norfolk and Suffolk since 2009 (with rape accounting for 40% of all cases).

Speaking about the 'Time to Stop' campaign Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Hall (leader of Protective Services in Suffolk and Norfolk) said: "Reducing incidents of serious sexual violence and bringing offenders to justice are priority issues for police in both Norfolk and Suffolk.

"Rape remains a hugely under-reported crime. In launching this campaign, we aim to not only reduce the number of people affected but also to fill those who have been assaulted with the confidence to come forward to police, or to other specialist services locally."

The Time to Stop campaign will run throughout the summer, Christmas, the New Year period and beyond. During this time posters will be put up in bars and nightclubs and officers from both Suffolk and Norfolk Police will distribute postcards to partygoers highlighting key facts about rape and personal safety.

To watch a short video about the Time to Stop campaign please click here.