Thames Valley Police are backing this week's National Rape Awareness Week.

The national campaign will run from November 30 to December 4 and will highlight the need for people, particularly women, to take steps to make sure they stay safe when out at night.

Hard-hitting adverts will be run on Channels Four and Five showing the impact of sexual assault and rape on victims.

The campaign is particularly focusing on how the impact of alcohol and excessive drinking features in a large number of rape cases.

Last year there were 533 rapes recorded across the Thames Valley Police area (Jan 08–Dec 08 inclusive). So far this year there have been 488 rapes recorded (Jan 09–Oct 09 inclusive).

Det Insp Nick Deacon said: “At this time of year, alcohol plays a big part in people making the right or wrong choices.

"People let their guard down and get themselves into situations which, when sober, they would not consider.

"This Christmas we want people to enjoy themselves but keep their wits about them, stay in groups and look after themselves and their friends. Also remember, if someone says no to sex, that means no. No consent turns sex into rape.”

“Thames Valley Police is committed to positively dealing with rape and other sexual crimes, bringing offenders to justice and working to raise public awareness in an attempt to reduce the number of victims.

“We have specially trained officers in place to provide a first response to victims of rape and support them through the criminal justice process."

During the campaign, adverts will be run in towns and cities across the Thames Valley on telephone kiosks and in bars, pubs and clubs, posters and leaflets will be distributed through Pubwatch groups and messages will be sent out via Bluetooth and Facebook.

Det Insp Deacon said: “If you are going out for the evening, plan how you are going to get home.

"Book a licensed taxi from a firm you trust or arrange for parents or friends to collect you. Alternate your drinks with soft drinks and don’t accept drinks from strangers.”