South Yorkshire Police: 'Please remember consent this Christmas'
It's for people going out this week to continue their Christmas celebrations
South Yorkshire Police are urging people to remember consent if they are continuing Christmas celebrations this week.
The force says it also applies to those using dating apps and decide to meet.
South Yorkshire Police said: "We wish we didn’t have to explain this, but the truth is rape and other sexual offences are reported to us on a regular basis.
A person consents if he or she agrees by choice, and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
Consent cannot be coerced, pressured or forced
Consent cannot be assumed or ambiguous.
Consent cannot be determined by clothing or appearance.
Someone’s consent can change; it can be withdrawn at any time.
Your relationship with someone, such as being married or in a relationship, does not predetermine consent.
Being drunk, under the influence of drugs or unconscious means someone cannot give their consent.
The absence of the word ‘no’ does not mean someone gives their consent.
Detective Chief Inspector Deborah Mahmood, force lead for sexual offences said: “It is sad that we have to explain what consent means. If somebody does not want something to happen, then stop. If you don’t you have committed a crime.
“We see first-hand the devastating impact being a victim of a sexual assault can have. The first thing to know is you are not to blame. It is the person that assaulted you, please speak to someone you trust and if you feel able to, report it to us we will listen, and we will act.”
For more help and advice visit the South Yorkshire Police website.