Rapes 'not being reported' - PSNI

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7713137.stm

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There has been a fall in the number of rapes but many attacks are not reported, the police have said.

The Policing Board was told there were 420 rapes and attempted rapes between April 2007-08 and, in the last six months, 192 attacks were reported.

Detective Superintendent Karen Baxter said people should be aware of the dangers of going out drinking.

"Particularly young men who need to be sure their 'partner' is able to give consent before sex," she said.

"Sex without consent is rape. Offenders will be arrested, investigated and sent to prison if convicted."

The Policing Board was told the police has reviewed how it investigates sex crimes.

Rape crime units and public protection units have been set up across Northern Ireland, which deal with a range of offences from adult rape to the sexual abuse of children.