Cheshire Police want more under 18s talking about consent in schools

Cheshire Police is encouraging young people to start a conversation about sexual consent following a worrying rise in recorded offences.

Since 2019 there has been an increase of just over 60 per cent in recorded sexual offences in Cheshire where the victim and the suspect/offender are both under the age of 18.

Data shows that offences are most likely to be peer-on-peer, and just over 85% of all recorded sexual offences are carried out by boys.

The Constabulary is launching a thought-provoking and impactive campaign that will inspire young people to talk openly about consent and shift the societal attitudes that conversations around sexual activity are taboo.

The campaign features five scenarios that young people could find themselves in, and they all play out in different ways – some positive and some negative. These scenarios have been shown to groups of young people and their thought-provoking reactions and discussions captured on camera – all packaged together to be used as educational tools in the classroom.

These resources act as conversation starters.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: “Nationally we have seen a staggering increase in the number of recorded sexual offences. In tackling any crime, it is important to thoroughly understand its nature if you are to effectively tackle it and this is particularly so with such a broad and serious offending category as sexual offences. If you do not understand the detail, you cannot apply the right preventative measures. For example, we have seen an increase in the number of reports of assaults from many years ago, which may well reflect greater confidence in the police response but tackling that type of offence is very different to dealing with the thankfully rare, stranger sexual assaults.

“Prevention has always got to be our priority and, particularly with young people, it prevents the harm that can wreck lives. Whilst we will always rigorously investigate sexual assaults and have the highest positive outcome rates in the country, education and awareness are our focus with young people where we see far too many cases when there are clearly issues around the understanding of consent. That is why this campaign is so important as we work with partners to protect young people.”

Assistant Chief Constable Una Kelly, Head of Crime for Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Early intervention in schools has the potential to help reduce offending and prevent the likelihood of pupils becoming victims.

“It is vital we educate young people on the importance of consent, the benefits of talking about consent, and the long-lasting consequences both to the victim and the offender if consent is not willingly given.

“The Constabulary’s new campaign will enhance the hard work already being done in this area and will demonstrate to young people how easy it can be to become involved in situations that they can quickly lose control of.

“Through this campaign we will enable young people to understand that they have a choice and they have a voice. We are also giving give schools an effective tool to support and safeguard their students in order to help reduce offending now and in the future.”

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