Scheme highlights sexual dangers of binge drinking

Police in Torbay, Devon, have launched a scheme to highlight the risks women face because of binge drinking: sexual attacks on drunk females and the risks of unprotected sexual intercourse

The SASH (Sexual Attack and Sexual Health) project has been designed in partnership with Torbay council, the Police, taxi companies and local businesses.

According to acting sergeant Dave Pebworth from Torquay police: “The project has been designed to tackle two specific issues surrounding excessive drinking - that of sexual attacks on drunk or vulnerable females and also that of the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections through unprotected sexual intercourse.”

The scheme involves pubs and clubs distributing small lightweight packs where appropriate within the project area. The packs include a pouch for extinguishing cigarettes, condoms, advice leaflets and bottled water amongst other items. The packs also highlight the risk of excessive drinking and risks to sexual health and aim to illustrate the heightened risk of sexual attack when drunk.

Pubs and clubs are being urged to challenge males buying large quantities of alcohol for females or anyone who is suspected of taking advantage of females’ vulnerabilities. Taxi drivers will receive a letter stating what SASH wants them to do if they have concerns for females who appear vulnerable through excessive drinking.

For the rest of this item from the Mid-Devon Star, click here