THURROCK town centres are among places visited by a 'digi-van' promoting Essex Police's 'NO, IT'S NOT ON' campaign to combat domestic violence.

A statement from the force says:"In a bid to raise further awareness of our approach to tackling sexual offences in Essex, we have taken our consent campaign on the road.

"Our animations and message 'NO, IT'S NOT ON' have been displayed across digital vans which have travelled across the county, stopping at many High Street locations and travel hubs, so that we can further engage with the public around this important issue."

The campaign, supported by the Southend and Thurrock Domestic Abuse board (SETDAB) aimed to raise awareness and asks people to consider their own actions and behaviours as we continue to reduce sexual offences across the county.

Police added: "In the 12 months to May 2023, we were ranked 1st out of 43 forces across the UK for our sexual offences conviction rate. In the same period our officers solved 576 sexual offences – an increase of 130 on the year before and we recorded 288 fewer cases involving rape over the past 12 months and 280 fewer sexual offences."

The head of the Essex force's Crime and Public Protection Unit, Detective Superintendent, Neil Pudney, said: "We are pleased to have been able to reduce these offences, but we are not complacent and finding new ways of supporting victims remains at the heart of everything we do.

"We are proud of our conviction rate, but we know not every victim seeks a court outcome. Sometimes people need to be heard and we would urge anyone who has been the victim of rape or sexual abuse to seek support. If this campaign urges just one person to come forward then it will have been a success."

The digi-van with former Thurrock police chief Ch/Supt Claire Talbot, who leads the Essex force's response to violence against women and girls, and D/Supt Neil Pudney who heads the Crime and Public Protection Unit.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "Here in Essex, we condemn male violence, abuse, sexual abuse and misogyny against women and girls in any form and these digital van displays underline our commitment.

"We will continue working hard to help survivors and re-educate perpetrators to understand consent in relationships. We will also support Essex Police to robustly target offenders and develop strong investigations that lead to successful prosecutions."

Officers were also on hand, working alongside partners at Synergy to offer advice and make people aware of the support that is available for victims of sexual abuse.

The Change Project (TCP) who work with people who want to change their behaviour, were also there to help spread the message further.

Watch the force's consent campaign video, 'No. It's not on', asking perpetrators to help break the cycle of sexual abuse.

The right to say no

Anyone has the right to say no, change their mind or withdraw consent at any time.

If you have been subjected to any form of sexual abuse, you can report it through the Essex Force's digital 101 service. For advice and guidance you can also contact Synergy Essex. 

If you want to break the cycle of abuse then you can contact The Change Project.