TV advert to warn men over rape

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/7112941.stm

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Hard-hitting television adverts to remind men sex without consent can lead to a jail sentence are being broadcast by police in the North West.

The ads form part of a campaign to try to cut the number of women who fall victim to a rapist and to increase reporting in the run-up to Christmas.

Greater Manchester Police want to get the message through that sex without consent can lead to a long jail term.

One of the adverts uses the slogan "Rape - small word, long sentence."

The force also want to help and support those who have been sexually assaulted.

The adverts show two people meeting for the first time and enjoying an evening partying, before a kiss and a cuddle gets out of hand.

There are two adverts showing a man and woman's point of view

The 60-second films show the aftermath from both the victim's and offender's perspective.

At the end of the film aimed at women is the slogan "Support is available" and the phone number for St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester.

The film aimed at men shows the male character being locked up in jail.

Det Ch Insp Carol Ashworth said: "Many young men, like in the commercial, don't realise the consequences of their actions and I hope the ad makes them understand that they are committing a crime if they fail to gain consent for sex."

Dr Catherine White, Clinical Director at St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre said: "These ads are a powerful reminder of how rape can devastate people's lives and that there are excellent support and counselling services in place to help them.

"Although we hope that this campaign will give people the confidence to report such an incident, they can also self refer themselves to the centre."