Keeping vulnerable people safe as restrictions are lifted

Message from Humberside Police:

As part of Humberside Police’s valuable work around the protection of vulnerable people we have this week launched Operation Contract which aims to prevent, reduce and stop offenders from targeting vulnerable people. 

Under Operation Contract we are running a public engagement campaign called #GetConsent which is aims to highlight the importance of consent ahead of any sexual activity taking place.

As Covid-19 restrictions ease and bars, restaurants and clubs return to operating at capacity, we anticipate an influx of customers returning back through their doors.

Leading Operation Contract and the #GetConsent campaign is Detective Chief Inspector Peter Thorp, he said, “You might wonder why we are doing this campaign now.  Before the pandemic we know that 25% of rapes and sexual assaults that were reported to us were directly linked to the night-time economy, and half of those involved drugs and alcohol consumption.

“The summer months of July and August are the months in which we tend to see the highest number of reports of sexual assault and rape to our control centre.

“Operation Contract will see police officers, in both plain clothes and high visibility, out in the town and city centres in areas where there are bustling night time economy hot spots.  They’ll be speaking with door staff and licensees, building on existing working relationships to help them spot the signs of a potential concern.

“They will also be looking out for anyone behaving suspiciously with another person who looks too drunk to take care of themselves. Perhaps someone trying to get someone out on their own, in a dark corner or secluded spot – or they may be leading them outside and into a taxi or unmarked car.

“We are not alone in wanting to make sure out towns and city are safe environments for everyone.

“We are working closely with a number of partner agencies who are involved in the night time economy including the local authority, universities and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) along with local support groups such as street angels.  Together we want to make our towns as city safer places for everyone to enjoy.

PCC Jonathan Evison said, “I fully support this campaign, the night time economy will soon be busy again and it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of each other, especially when someone is vulnerable or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“I’m pleased to see Humberside Police stepping up patrols, the summer months are when these types of offences usually see an increase and the message is clear, no means no, and sex without consent is rape, there are no excuses.”

ACC Chris Noble talks about the campaign

DCI Peter Thorp added, “We are also asking for the support of pubs, venues and businesses across our busy towns and city, who come into contact with members of the public on a daily basis, to help us raise awareness of this issue and remind them of the importance of asking for consent.”

“This campaign is all about raising awareness of the issue of consent in the hope that we can prevent, reduce and stop offenders from targeting vulnerable people.   #GetConsent is about exactly that – Just because you meet someone on a night out and you flirt, dance and kiss doesn’t mean that that person wants to take things any further or have sex.  If they are drunk or have taken drugs means you may not be able to be confident that the person is fully happy with the situation or indeed able to consent to what is happening. 

“Consent is about respect and not either assuming the other person is OK with what is happening or taking advantage of that person when they are vulnerable.  Consent is paramount. Let’s be clear in our message – Sex without consent is rape.”

The #GetConsent campaign is going to be running in conjunction with the live policing operation, Operation Contract, which launched as the restrictions have eased.

“If you want to help us make our towns and city safer, join us.

“Firstly, be aware and #GetConsent – It doesn’t matter HOW you ask, but you must ask for consent before you begin any sexual activity. And if the person is too drunk to make an informed choice, then take that as a FIRM no. Sex without consent is rape.

“Keep yourself and your friends safe and look out for each other.  If you are on a night out or just walking by and you spot a person who’s really drunk.  If this was son, father, daughter or sister would you want someone to stop and make sure they were ok?

“Working with us as things start to get back to normal will help make everyone safer and protect the most vulnerable.”

Follow this link to see our #GetConsent webpage and campaign content: #GetConsent