Drive to challenge men’s attitude to rape launched

By IAN SWANSON
Published on 13/09/2012 12:00

A NEW campaign was launched today to challenge and change the attitudes of young men towards rape.

The Scotland-wide “We can stop it” campaign is being led by the police and focuses on a recent shift in the law, which makes it clear that sex when a victim is asleep or unconscious, sex without consent when someone is drunk, and 
male rape are all classed as rape.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), who are behind the initiative, say it is intended as a positive and proactive campaign to promote a sense of responsibility rather than attributing blame.

Posters use a series of strong, thought-provoking statements from young men aged 18–27, acting as positive role models. They spell out the message: “Sex without consent is rape”.

And they ask young men to consider their own behaviour and the role they can play in preventing rape. A 30-second advert has also been produced for use on the campaign’s own specially designed website - www.wecanstopit.co.uk - and on YouTube.

A second phase of the campaign will feature online advertising on a variety of sites most commonly used by the target audience. The posters and vinyls will be displayed in areas popular with young men and women, including pubs and clubs throughout Scotland.

Assistant Chief Constable Graham Sinclair, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Reducing incidents of rape and sexual assault is a priority for the police in Scotland and education plays a huge part in this.

“The tone and language of the campaign marks a significant shift in approach to raising awareness of sexual offences legislation, and I hope that it will help remind men that they are in complete control of their behaviour.”

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