We Can Stop It aims to educate those aged 18 to 35 that non-consensual sex is rape

An anti-rape campaign which targets young men has been launched in Scotland.

The We Can Stop It campaign, which will involve advertising and social media, will focus drumming home the message that sex without consent is rape.

The campaign has been launched by police in response to findings that men aged 18 to 35 are more likely to be accused of rape.

"In 2018 in Scotland sadly there are men who think it is okay to have sex with someone who is sleeping or suffering from the effects of alcohol or drugs,” said assistant chief constable Gillian MacDonald.

"We are receiving frequent reports of this – with at least 20% of all rapes reported to Police Scotland committed in such a way.

"Investigations carried out by Police Scotland shows that men aged between 18 and 35 years are more likely to be responsible and we want to send a strong message to them that sex without consent is rape, and if the person is unable to give consent to sexual activity, for whatever reason, it is rape."

The campaign, which involves social media posts using the hashtag #GetConsent on Twitter, advertising on broadcast media and in washrooms within clubs, bars and pubs, will be supported by a range of partner organisations.

It has been backed by Rape Crisis Scotland, with the charity’s Sandy Brindley calling for greater education around sexual assault.

“We must ensure that every young person in Scotland has access to interventions on consent and healthy relationships,” she said.

“The law is clear – if you have sex with someone who is sleeping or so drunk they can’t consent, it’s rape. It is crucial that people are aware of this.”