A NEW campaign that aims to tackle sexual and drink related violence during the festive season has been launched in Worcestershire.

Organised by The West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, it is supported by The Worcestershire Drug and Alcohol Team and The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse.

Launched at the end of last month, the campaign will run until December 19 and consists of posters in pubs and clubs, bus and cinema advertising, poster displays in shopping centres.

Other activities planned include raising the issue with GP surgeries, which are often the first point of call for women suffering drink related violence.

The West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre is a free, confidential and non-judgemental service run by women for women who have experienced rape, assault, incest, sexual abuse, sexual harassment or any form of sexual attack, whether physical, verbal or emotional.

The centre offers a counselling service, Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service (ISVA) and a telephone helpline. Anyone who has experienced any form of rape or sexual abuse at anytime and would like to access support can call the helpline on 01905 724514. The helpline is open on Mondays and Thursdays 7.30-9.30pm, Tuesdays 1-5pm and Fridays 10am-2pm. There is an answer phone at all other times.

The Worcestershire Drug and Alcohol Action Team is a partnership that aims to tackle drug and alcohol related harm by ensuring that high quality drug and alcohol services are available across the county.

Anyone worried about their drinking can speak to their GP or call Pathways to Recovery on 0808 178 3295. Anyone worried about someone else’s drinking can contact Pressure Point on 0800 652 9664.

For further information about the campaign, call Jocelyn Anderson on 01905 611 655 and to speak in confidence about domestic abuse, call 0800 980 3331.