Rape is not a common crime, accounting for less than one per cent of all crimes in the Avon and Somerset area.

But it is something that we take very seriously and we have put together the facts and figures below so that people are informed and aware of these types of offences.

Acquaintance Rape

Statistics show that the majority of rape victims are assaulted by someone they know.

Acquaintance rape is most likely to happen in the home of the victim, the offender or in a relative's home.

Personal safety: Keep yourself safe.

• Trust your instincts. If you don't feel comfortable in a situation, leave it.
• Try to avoid putting yourself in a situation where you are relying on other people; they might not be there when you need them.
• Be aware of your alcohol consumption – it impairs your judgements and can reduce your safety.
• Think carefully before inviting someone into your home or before going into someone else's home.
• Ensure your friends are aware of where you are and where you are going.

Let your Hair Down and Not your Guard.

Stranger Rape

Although statistics for stranger rape in Avon and Somerset are lower than the national average it does still happen.

Stranger rape is most likely to occur in open spaces between 8pm and 4am.

Personal safety: Keep yourself safe.

• On a night out always keep an eye on your drink and don't accept drinks from strangers.
• Think ahead and always plan your journeys, avoiding isolated or deserted areas.
• Avoid walking alone at night, and keep to well-lit main roads where possible.
• Try not to use shortcuts through dark alleys, waste ground or parks.
• Stay alert: be aware of what's going on around you.
• Avoid wearing headphones when travelling alone. Your ability to hear what is going on around you is severely impaired.
• Always ensure someone knows where you are going, your intended route and your expected arrival time.
• If threatened, then shout and scream to draw attention to yourself.

Know the Facts

92 per cent of offenders are known to their victim.

Alcohol features in 54 per cent of all rape cases.

More than half of all acquaintance rapes (56 per cent) take place at either the victim's or offender's home.

Half of all victims of acquaintance rape are aged between 17 and 21.

The majority of acquaintance rapes take place at the weekend between midnight and 4am.

In areas with lots of pubs and clubs, acquaintance rapes account for two thirds of all rape offences.

Contact Details

Turn to the Bridge, call 0117 342 6999, www.turntothebridge.org

Bristol Rape Crisis Helpline: 0117 929 8868

Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Sunday 3pm - 5pm

To report an instance of rape or sexual assault to the police call 0845 456 7000. In an emergency always call 999.