Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, has launched a campaign to raise awareness on what constitutes as consent.

The campaign highlights the need for sexual consent, dispels the myths around what consent means and highlights the services available to those who have experienced sexual assault.

The campaign is supported by the Commissioner’s successful bid to the Government’s Safer Streets Fund.

Some of the key messages highlighted in the campaign are that consent cannot be bought, someone who is intoxicated cannot give consent, a relationship does not provide automatic consent, and that saying ‘yes’ once doesn’t mean ‘yes’ always.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: "The ‘Be Consent Aware’ campaign is really important as it promotes asking for consent and highlights that just because someone doesn’t say ‘no’, that doesn’t mean that it’s a ‘yes’.

"It’s essential that we all understand the laws around consent as it is today. I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to think about consent and what it means. You can find some helpful information on my website to read up on some of the myths and facts around consent."

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Vicki Coombes, Cumbria Constabulary, added: "Rape and serious sexual offences are life changing. They can devastate individuals, their families, and the wider community.

"The law is very clear, sex without consent is rape. There are no grey areas and there are no excuses."

More information can be found on Be Consent Aware – Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (cumbria-pcc.gov.uk)