Police in Chippenham and Wiltshire have pledged their support for national Rape Awareness week.

Launched today, the campaign will run until Friday December 4. Throughout this week Wiltshire Police will make the general public aware of the support available in instances such as rape or serious sexual assault, and provide safety tips in general.

D/Supt Sarah Bodell, head of Wiltshire Police’s Public Protection Unit said, “I would encourage any victim to contact us. You will be sympathetically dealt with by a police officer who is specially trained and we will provide you with support from your initial report and throughout the investigation.”

Wiltshire Police work in partnership with the New Swindon Sexual Assault Referral Centre This is a one stop location where victims can access services including a forensic medical examination, counselling and signposting for appropriate aftercare. This service is accessible 24/7 and is available to victims from anywhere in the County.

Mrs James – Kempshall, SARC manager said, “We are able to offer advice, guidance and choice to victims, providing services that are tailored to their needs. We accept referrals from Police and victims who may wish to self refer direct to us”.

For further information regarding the SARC service, visit their website at

www.newswindonsanctuary.co.uk or contact the call centre on 0808 168 0024.

Police have issued the following safety tips to help prevent instances of rape and sexual assault:

·            Try to avoid putting yourself in a situation where you are relying on other people; they might not be there when you need them.

·            Be aware of your alcohol consumption - it impairs your judgements and can reduce your safety.

·            Think carefully before inviting someone into your home or before going into someone else's home.

·            Ensure your friends/relatives are aware of where you are and where you are going.

·            Let your hair down and not your guard.

Avoiding Dangerous Situations

While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted.

·Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.

·Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.

·Walk with purpose. Even if you don't know where you are going, act like you do.

·Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn't the best place for you to be at.

·Make sure your mobile phone is with you and charged

·Have a local reputable taxi number in your mobile and ensure you have money to get home!

·Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't trust or someone you don't know.

·Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking or running alone.

What can men do?

While individuals of both genders are perpetrators of sexual assaults, the majority of those who commit sexual assaults are men. Even so, it is important to remember tat the vast majority of men are not rapists.  There are many things men (and women) can do to help prevent sexual violence.

Be an ally:

·            When you go to a party, go with a group of friends.  Arrive together, check in with each other frequently and leave together.

·            Have a buddy system. Don't be afraid to let a friend know if you are worried about her/his safety.

    If someone you know has been assaulted:

·            Listen. Be there. Don't be judgemental.

·            Be patient. Remember it will take your friend sometime to deal with the crime.

·            Help to empower your friend or family member. Sexual assault is a crime that takes away an individual's power, it is important not to compound this experience by putting pressure on your friend or family member to do things that he or she is not ready to do yet.

·            If they haven't already reported the crime, encourage them to and offer to accompany them wherever they need to go.