Short film on impact of rape aimed at young people

The PSNI hopes a new hard-hitting film highlighting the devastating impact of rape will help in the fight against sex crime.

Almost 200 serious sexual offences were reported in Northern Ireland during a six-month period between April and September, with a further 533 rapes reported last year.

Det Supt Brian Hanna said: "Rape is devastating for the victim. The psychological effects can last a lifetime, with some victims never fully recovering from their ordeal."

The short film is aimed at young people aged between 16 and 25 years old and will be used as part of an educational campaign that coincides with the start of the new academic year.

Mr Hanna added: “One of the dangers is alcohol reducing the ability to make the right decisions. This can leave people vulnerable to attack. Just because someone is not capable of saying ‘No’ doesn’t mean that you can have sex with them.

“Freshers’ week is now under way and we would urge people to be mindful about their personal safety and how much alcohol they drink, and to act responsibly. Sex without consent is a crime that can lead to a criminal conviction as well as life-changing implications for the victim and the accused.

“While sexual assault can be an opportunistic crime it is often committed by someone known to the victim. We know that the majority of rapes occur in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday morning and are often linked to a night out.”

The film is being launched against the backdrop of a major police investigation into child sexual exploitation in Northern Ireland.

At least 22 suspected victims aged between 13 and 18 years old have been identified and around 30 people have been arrested as part of the inquiry. It is alleged that vulnerable young people, many of whom were living in care homes, were at times targeted, groomed and forced to perform sex acts during drink- and drug-fuelled parties.

Debbie Watters, who sits on the Northern Ireland Policing Board, said the new DVD, which can be viewed on YouTube, carried a clear message about the consequences of rape.

She said: “With freshers’ week in full swing, we want to ensure that people are aware of their rights and responsibilities, as the consequences could be life changing.”

The Youth Justice Agency (YJA) has also backed the campaign.

"This hard-hitting DVD will alert young people to the dangers of getting themselves into situations where they may be more vulnerable to sexual violence, particularly where alcohol is involved," said YJA chief executive Paula Jack.

Northern Ireland’s first sexual assault referral centre opened in April to provide services and support to sex crime victims under one roof.

To date, the facility at Antrim Area Hospital has dealt with about 150 people.