WITH THE Christmas party season in full swing, on the third day of Christmas police are warning revellers to drink and behave responsibly or risk getting on the wrong side of the law.
Party-goers are reminded that no matter what they are wearing, how much they have drunk, or if you have already kissed – sex without consent is rape.
Anyone has the right to say no at any point and if there is any question regarding if someone is too drunk to give consent, you should assume they haven’t.
If they haven’t consented and you still have sex, it is rape and being drunk yourself is no defence either.
Revellers should also remember, a man can be raped too – the offence can only be committed by another man but women can be charged with being an accessory to rape or assault by penetration.
With stranger rapes extremely rare, nearly half of all rapists know their victims – they may be ‘friends’, ex or current partners, husbands or first dates.
Most acquaintance rapes happen over the weekend between midnight and 3am with most rapists being males aged 17 to 25 and victims mainly and in the same age bracket.
Party-goers should bear in mind drink and drugs can make you more vulnerable and younger people can be at risk of sexual grooming – being made to believe they are in a loving relationship when really they are being exploited.
