Police Scotland has launched a hard-hitting campaign aimed at preventing rape.
The ‘We can stop it’ campaign is targeted at men aged between 18 and 35 to raise awareness that sex without consent is rape.
Assistant chief constable Gillian MacDonald said: “In 2018 in Scotland sadly there are men who think it is OK to have sex with someone who is sleeping or suffering from the effects of alcohol or drugs.
“We are receiving frequent reports with at least 20% of all rapes reported to Police Scotland committed in such a way.
“Investigations show that men aged between 18 and 35 years are more likely to be responsible and we want to send a strong message to them that sex without consent is rape, and if the person is unable to give consent to sexual activity, for whatever reason, it is rape.”
The campaign involves social media messaging using the hashtag #GetConsent on Twitter and advertising in bathrooms within clubs, bars and pubs.
ACC MacDonald added: “Tackling rape is a priority for Police Scotland. We are acutely aware that sexual crime is under reported, the reasons for this can be complex, however the only person responsible for such offences is the perpetrator.
Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, added: “The law is clear – if you have sex with someone who is sleeping or so drunk they can’t consent, it’s rape. It is crucial that people are aware of this.”
