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.
• If taking a taxi, make sure it is a registered hackney cab or private hire taxi.
• 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 number list of support services

Bristol:

The Greenhouse Project (ages 5-18): 0117 935 1707

Brook (ages 9-25): 0117 929 0090

Help Counselling (ages 9-25): 0117 950 2511

Off the Record (up to age 25): 0117 922 6747

The Bridge (age 14+): 0117 342 6999

Banes:

Off the Record (up to age 25): 01225 312481

The Bridge (age 14+): 0117 342 6999

South Glos:

The Bridge (age 14+): 0117 342 6999

North Somerset:

The Bridge (age 14+): 0117 342 6999

Somerset:

The Bridge (age 14+): 0117 342 6999

Taunton and West Somerset Mindline: 01823 276892 (www.mindtws.org.uk)