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Young people across Norfolk and Suffolk are the target of a series of radio adverts set to be pushed out across both counties in a bid to tackle the issue of rape and serious sexual assault.

Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies have teamed up with the regional station KISS to send out crucial messages about the dangers of becoming victims or offenders of such crimes as they head out for the night whether to a club, a house party or to mark the end of exams.

The move is part of the forces' Time To Stop campaign launched in June to raise awareness of rape and sexual violence particularly among young women and men aged 17 to 24.

Reports of rape and sexual offences historically rise over the summer – believed to be linked to increased socialising during such warm weather periods.

There are two main versions of adverts with one focusing on female listeners who are urged to look out for each other and plan ahead for their night out, while the other serves as a reminder to male listeners to realise when 'no means no'.

Det Ch Insp David Cutler of Suffolk Constabulary said: "The purpose of the campaign has always been to not only highlight the services available to victims of such abuse but to attempt to prevent this type of crime in the first place.

"A significant number of rapes and sexual assaults in both counties are linked to alcohol and nights out and in most cases the victim and offender know one another or have just met.

"We know alcohol makes people more vulnerable and one of our key messages is – stick with your friends. Have a good night out but look out for each other and make sure you all get home safely.”

The ads reveal that more than 1,000 women were the victims of rape and serious sexual assault across both counties last year.

Det Ch Insp Cutler also urged young males to take heed. He said: "The majority of rapes are committed by someone who knows the victim and people can get into situations they never intended to and suddenly become very vulnerable - this includes young males who fail to realise when it's not okay.

"There is no excuse for overstepping the mark you should know when it is Time To Stop."

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 initiative will run throughout the summer, Christmas, the New Year period and beyond. During this time as well as the adverts, posters will be put up in bars and nightclubs and officers from both constabularies’ night-time economy teams will distribute postcards to partygoers highlighting key facts about rape and personal safety.

For more information about the campaign log on to: www.norfolk.police.uk or www.suffolk.police.uk.

The short film, entitled Look What You Did and created in support of the joint campaign, is also still available on Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies’ YouTube channels.