Nobody asks to be...
sexually assaulted or raped

Anyone who’s been a victim of sexual assault can get advice and support by calling the Sexual Assault Referral Centre  0808 178 4448 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or visit  www.hertssunflower.org and click on the ‘Victims’ button. You don’t have to involve police.

Nobody asks to be sexually assaulted or raped… that’s the message a new campaign is sending to people going out across the whole of Hertfordshire.

There’s never any excuse. If there’s no consent, it’s a crime.

The campaign, known as Operation Advisory, launches in early December 2012 and reminds pub and club-goers to take care of themselves and their friends on a night out and get home safely.

Assistant Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Detective Chief Inspector Glen Channer launch the campaign at Police HQ, Welwyn Garden City.

It also sends out a strong message to potential offenders around the consequences of committing a sexual assault on someone.

The campaign, which is being launched by Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd, has been developed by Hertfordshire’s County Community Safety Unit.

Officers from teams right around the county will be present in busy nightspots all through the festive season right through to the New Year.

Police officers, bar and club managers, security teams, door supervisors, bar staff, taxi marshals, Street Pastors are all taking part in helping to raise awareness around the campaign.

Licensees in pubs, bars and clubs across Hertfordshire are also supporting the campaign by displaying posters, stickers and screensavers on their premises. Campaign images will also be on display at train stations and at bus stops in key locations around the county.

Commissioner David Lloyd said: “The police are there to help us but we need to help ourselves too. This campaign keeps people safe by reminding them of sensible precautions they can take themselves and to be mindful of the consequences of actions that are unlawful and harmful.

“One offence of this sort is one too many; the police and partner agencies will need to work together to tackle this issue.”

Detective Chief Inspector Glen Channer who is leading the operation said: “We want people to go out and have a good time during the festive period and all year round in the pub and club venues that Hertfordshire offers.

“But we also want people to get home safely and to take responsibility for themselves and their friends. Everyone should take a couple of minutes to make arrangements to get home safely, stay together… don’t leave anyone behind.

“Local officers will be working alongside the bar and club managers, security teams, door supervisors, bar staff, taxi marshalls and street pastors – all helping to raise awareness and to intervene if someone looks vulnerable.

“We don’t have a specific problem with this type of crime in Hertfordshire but we are taking a proactive stance that we hope will raise awareness.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the licensees in the pubs and clubs and other partners in the county who are fully supportive of the campaign.”

Assistant Chief Constable Jon Boutcher added: “This campaign is not meant to make people feel we are out to stop everyone’s fun. It’s about making sure no-one remembers this year’s festivities for all the wrong reasons.

“Look after each other when you go out. Everyone should take a couple of minutes to make arrangements to get home safely, stay together… don’t leave anyone behind and always use licensed cabs.”

You can watch a video below:

Anyone who’s been a victim of sexual assault can get advice and support by calling the Sexual Assault Referral Centre  0808 178 4448 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or visit  www.hertssunflower.org. You don’t have to involve police.