Northumbria Police launch Christmas consent campaign

Northumbria Police say they want those of us heading out for parties this festive season to bear in mind sexual consent.

Posters and adverts will be put up in pubs and clubs across the region in an effort to raise awareness of what the force says are misconceptions over what constitutes sexual consent being given when drunk.

Speaking at the launch of their Christmas campaign, Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird says the force want both men and women to bear in mind that if someone is drunk, they cannot legally consent.

She's told Metro Radio:

"The crux of the message is not only that ‘no means no’ but that if someone is too drunk to decide whether to say yes or no then anyone having sex with them could find themselves facing a rape charge.

"Consent can only be given by someone with the capacity to make that decision. It is up to everyone to ensure that consent is given by a sexual partner, on each occasion.

"If there is doubt about the level of intoxication, the right course of action is not to go ahead.

Temporary Chief Constable, Winton Keenen, said:

“For too long there have been urban myths around consent. This campaign makes things very clear.

"While it might seem obvious that having sex without consent is rape, this is sadly often not reflected in the cases we see.

"We hope everyone enjoys their Christmas night out. However, it’s essential that we all understand what sexual consent really means – and what it doesn’t.”

Sue Pearce, CEO of Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, said:

"We absolutely support this new initiative from Commissioner Vera Baird and the force and their message to would-be perpetrators.

"At Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland we are keen to let women and girls in our community know that no matter what the circumstance, no means no."

For advice on issues around consent visit the Northumbria police website or contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 for specialist support.