Nearly half of rapes in Cumbria happened in the home
44% of rapes reported in Cumbria last year were in a domestic setting
Cumbria police are working with partners to raise awareness of sexual assaults in the home this month.
It comes after new stats show nearly half of all rapes involving adults in Cumbria last year were in a domestic setting.
They're encouraging victims to come forward even if they don't want it to be investigated, so that the right support can be accessed.
Detective Chief Inspector Vicki Coombes is Cumbria Constabulary’s lead officer on rape and serious sexual offences.
She said: “Rape and serious sexual offences are life-changing. They can devastate individuals, their families and the wider community.
“There are so many myths when it comes to consent, particularly in a domestic setting.
“Sexual consent is where a person has the ability and freedom to agree to sexual activity. The person seeking or initiating sex is responsible for ensuring they have consent.
“Sex without consent is rape. This is no different if you are married or in a relationship with someone.
“And if someone is scared, intimidated or intoxicated through drink or drugs then consent often can’t be given."
Between April 2020 and April 2021, 305 rapes involving adults were reported in Cumbria. Of these, 145 – 47 per cent – were in a domestic setting.
Between April 2021 to last week, 339 rapes involving adults were reported in Cumbria. Of these, 151 – 44 percent – were in a domestic setting.
DCI Coombes said: “We understand that not everybody who has suffered domestic violence or sexual violence wants a police investigation or to go court.
"It is really important that everyone knows that there are support services available should they need them, whether or not there is a criminal investigation.
“If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault, we would always encourage you to report it to police, so that we can ensure you are put in contact with the appropriate support service.
“Your report will be taken seriously and investigated by specialist officers should you wish.
“However, there are a large range of support services that can be accessed regardless of whether you have reported a crime to the police or not.”
The Bridgeway is the county’s dedicated SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre).
Anyone who attends The Bridgeway will receive non-judgemental care and advice, including a full forensic medical examination and onward referrals to essential support services, whether they have reported to the police or attended as a self-referral.
Donna Cardell is the manager at The Bridgeway.
She said: “At The Bridgeway, we are pleased to be supporting the Cumbria Constabulary campaign this month.
“Rape and sexual assault and domestic violence so often go hand-in-hand and the victims often find it difficult to report or sometimes don’t even realise that what they are experiencing is sexual abuse.
“Anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault can attend The Bridgeway whether they have reported to the police or not.
“If you feel that you are not ready to report to the police or don’t want to report, please still get in touch.”
You can find out what services are available to you here.