Menu
04/10/2018
PSNI Launches Sexual Consent Awareness Campaign
A new sexual consent awareness campaign has been launched by the PSNI.
The No Grey Zone campaign was announced by the PSNI in conjunction with a range of partner agencies including Nexus, Public Prosecution Service and Students' Unions both at Queen's and Ulster University.
No Grey Zone aims to raise awareness of what sexual assault is and what sexual consent is.
Head of the Public Protection Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman said: "Over the past number of years we have seen an increase in the number of sexual crimes being reported and we wanted to develop a campaign to educate young people about sexual consent and send the clear message that there is No Grey Zone.
"The campaign is specifically aimed at the target audience of 16 to 28 year olds. It uses clear language to give examples of sexual assault and brings the topic into the open in an unapologetic way. It is robust and fact based. We want people to hear and understand this message and start talking about sexual consent. As part of the campaign we have launched the No Grey Zone website – www.nogreyzone.com which is available to everyone to learn more about sexual assault and sexual consent, to find the truth about myths around sexual assault and to easily access information about support."
Detective Chief Superintendent Hilman continued: "As part of our research for the campaign we worked closely with Queen's Students' Union and the findings from their Stand Together Report which showed that just over 4% of students who said they had been sexually assaulted reported it to the police. Half of those assaulted hadn’t told anyone about their experience.
"It is vital that every single person in our society understands what sexual assault and consent is.
"We want a society where people feel supported and empowered to speak out when a sexual assault occurs."
(CD/MH)
The No Grey Zone campaign was announced by the PSNI in conjunction with a range of partner agencies including Nexus, Public Prosecution Service and Students' Unions both at Queen's and Ulster University.
No Grey Zone aims to raise awareness of what sexual assault is and what sexual consent is.
Head of the Public Protection Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman said: "Over the past number of years we have seen an increase in the number of sexual crimes being reported and we wanted to develop a campaign to educate young people about sexual consent and send the clear message that there is No Grey Zone.
"The campaign is specifically aimed at the target audience of 16 to 28 year olds. It uses clear language to give examples of sexual assault and brings the topic into the open in an unapologetic way. It is robust and fact based. We want people to hear and understand this message and start talking about sexual consent. As part of the campaign we have launched the No Grey Zone website – www.nogreyzone.com which is available to everyone to learn more about sexual assault and sexual consent, to find the truth about myths around sexual assault and to easily access information about support."
Detective Chief Superintendent Hilman continued: "As part of our research for the campaign we worked closely with Queen's Students' Union and the findings from their Stand Together Report which showed that just over 4% of students who said they had been sexually assaulted reported it to the police. Half of those assaulted hadn’t told anyone about their experience.
"It is vital that every single person in our society understands what sexual assault and consent is.
"We want a society where people feel supported and empowered to speak out when a sexual assault occurs."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 May 2022
PSNI Attempting To Identify Victim In 1973 Sexual Assault
PSNI Detectives in Belfast investigating an alleged serious sexual assault of a female child in Belfast in 1973 have issued an appeal for information in an attempt to identify the victim.
PSNI Attempting To Identify Victim In 1973 Sexual Assault
PSNI Detectives in Belfast investigating an alleged serious sexual assault of a female child in Belfast in 1973 have issued an appeal for information in an attempt to identify the victim.
20 September 2018
Six Men Arrested Over Serious Sexual Assault
Six men have been arrested in connection with a serious sexual assault in south Belfast. The attack is believed to have happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 19 September. An investigation has launched and the suspects are helping the PSNI with their enquiries.
Six Men Arrested Over Serious Sexual Assault
Six men have been arrested in connection with a serious sexual assault in south Belfast. The attack is believed to have happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 19 September. An investigation has launched and the suspects are helping the PSNI with their enquiries.
09 February 2011
Afghanistan Veteran On Rape Charge
A bomb-blasted former soldier has appeared in court in Belfast charged with rape and false imprisonment. Gerald Verner, 23, of Forthriver Park, who was deafened by a bomb in Afghanistan, is also accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm, sexual assault and threats to kill against the same woman.
Afghanistan Veteran On Rape Charge
A bomb-blasted former soldier has appeared in court in Belfast charged with rape and false imprisonment. Gerald Verner, 23, of Forthriver Park, who was deafened by a bomb in Afghanistan, is also accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm, sexual assault and threats to kill against the same woman.
24 November 2023
81-Year-Old Bangor Man Jailed For Historic Sexual Offences
An 81-year-old man has been jailed for three years for a number of historic sexual offences. David Parkinson, from Bangor, Co Down, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for 12 offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed between 1976 and 1983.
81-Year-Old Bangor Man Jailed For Historic Sexual Offences
An 81-year-old man has been jailed for three years for a number of historic sexual offences. David Parkinson, from Bangor, Co Down, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for 12 offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed between 1976 and 1983.
28 September 2023
New Anonymity Laws For Sexual Offences Cases Come Into Effect
A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
New Anonymity Laws For Sexual Offences Cases Come Into Effect
A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
