Advice after woman raped on beach
NEWQUAY'S acting police inspector has urged women to take "basic steps" to keep themselves safe after a woman was raped on a town beach last month.
James Honeywill said sexual offences were rare in the resort but stressed there were precautions that could be taken to minimise the risk of being attacked.
The rape is reported to have taken place on Towan beach in the town centre on Sunday, September 9.
It is understood that the victim and rapist – believed to be aged between 20 and 30 – did not know each other prior to the attack.
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Mr Honeywill said: "Thankfully crimes of this type are rare in Cornwall and sexual offences in Newquay and Bodmin have decreased by 11 per cent compared to this time last year.
"Women should not be unduly alarmed by this particular crime, but we always encourage women to think about their personal safety when they go out at night."
He advised women to be aware of their surroundings and not to leave drinks unattended. Walking with friends and keeping a mobile phone close at hand were also good ideas.
Mr Honeywill added: "Excessive drinking lowers the inhibitions of people and can lead to individuals putting themselves in situations they might not put themselves in when sober.
"Unfortunately many of the crimes we investigate involve victims who have consumed excessive alcohol and placed themselves at risk and I would encourage all women just to be aware of this and to take basic steps to keep themselves safe.
"We take crime and fear of crime very seriously and do everything we can to make Newquay as safe as possible."
If anyone has any information about the incident, please call 101, quoting reference GN/12/2132, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 500111.
Comments
by HannahJones
Monday, October 08 2012, 5:21PM
“Exactly Elizabeth. No advice for men such as "Men: don't rape women."
It really is that simple.
The police ought to be ashamed of themselves.”
by Amber
Monday, October 08 2012, 2:16PM
“Elizabeth, I couldn't agree more, this is victim blaming at its finest. I've never read a police statement regarding an assault, encouraging men not to drink in case they're beaten up whilst intoxicated?!!
Devon and Cornwall police, you should be ashamed.”
by Elizabeth2010
Monday, October 08 2012, 1:23PM
“No advice for the rapist? Just women? Perhaps the rapist (and other potential rapists) should be advised via the media that the police will carry out extensive investigations into this crime, and that the offender will be bought to justice for this crime and any other crimes committed by rapists. Not only is this type of response offensive to women as it implies they are in some way to blame for being raped, but it is also offensive to men who the implication is, cannot trust themselves when in the presence of drunk or vulnerable women.”
by Elizabeth2010
Monday, October 08 2012, 1:16PM
“no warnings to men then that the police will carry out extensive investigations until the perpetrator is found and that this man when found will be punished for his crime? Rape is not the fault of the victim and as we always see in the aftermath of such a serious offence, the onus is on the women in the area to protect themselves from an attack. This also implies that all men are rapists and cannot be trusted within several feet of other females who have been drinking or who are 'vulnerable'. This is insulting to all men also as it implies that they cannot help themselves when in the presence of drunk vulnerable women.”