8
Jan
2013
By Calvin at 21:00 GMT, 13 years ago
Rape Aware was launched on 20 December by Avon and Somerset Police and has been developed to educate people about rape and sexual assault and to encourage them to come forward and report what has happened to them.
So far over 4000 people have visited the site, which takes the user through the crime, providing comprehensive information about the types of rape and sexual assault that can be committed, who to contact if you become a victim along with the process of investigation and also the help and care they will receive. The site not only helps victims, but targets potential perpetrators of the crime by explaining boundaries and consent.
Assistant Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: "The number of visitors to the site is promising and we hope that those who log on to 'Rape aware' find it informative and helpful.
"We are committed to providing as much information as possible to educate people about this crime and its consequences, and we hope in turn that this helps to prevent it. I also hope that this encourages people who have been a victim of either rape or sexual assault, to have confidence in us to know that we will investigate thoroughly.
Rape and sexual assault is never the victim’s fault and it is important that we make both men and women aware that there is help available across Avon and Somerset even if they do not wish to involve us. We would always encourage people to report this crime, but if they feel that they are not ready they can still speak to professionals, and get the help and support they need to try and deal with this horrendous crime."
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "I am thrilled that so many people have chosen to visit the website. We need to raise awareness and educate people of the myths and facts surrounding rape. Attitudes about sexual violence are changing slowly and the fact that such stories have been so prevalent in the media in 2012 is a sign of progress. We are doing as much as possible to empower people to avoid, challenge and report sexually violent behaviour and to make them aware of the number of great organisations out there to help such as Rape Crisis and The Bridge who are all ready to offer independent, specialist support."
You can visit the site at www.rapeaware.org for your chance to win an iPad mini. You must live in Avon and Somerset to enter and fully fill out the questionnaire, entries close on Friday January 11.
http://www.rapeaware.org/ Avon and Somerset Police new rape aware website
http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk/ national umbrella organisation for Rape Crisis Centres across the country
http://www.turntothebridge.org/ comprehensive sexual assault support service for men, women and children in the Avon and Somerset area.
http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/personal-security/701/rape-and-sexual-offences/ provides additional advice about how to avoid becoming a victim of sexual assault on a night out
