IT may be the season to be jolly but police are reminding people to stay safe as reports of sexual assaults increase during the Christmas period.

West Mercia Police have issued a warning to revellers to bear in mind the following:

No matter what they are wearing, how much they have drunk, if you have already kissed, sex without consent is rape

Anyone has the right to say no at any point. And if there’s any question about whether someone has drunk too much to give consent, assume they haven’t given it. If they haven’t consented and you still have sex, it is rape. Being drunk yourself is no defence either.

A man can be raped too – the offence can only be committed by another man but women can be charged with being an accessory to rape or assault by penetration.

Rape is never the victim’s fault.

Stranger rapes are extremely rare.

Nearly half of all rapists know their victims. They may be ‘friends’, ex or current partners, husbands or first dates.

Rape can happen to anyone male or female of any age

A person does not have to say no to show they do not consent to sex

Most acquaintance rapes happen over the weekend between midnight and 3am

Around 25 percent of rapes are committed by current or ex partners

When convicted rapists face a prison sentence and sex offenders register

Rapes usually take place in private premises

Sexual assault is about power and control not sexual attraction

Most rapists are males aged 17 to 25

Most victims are females aged 17 to 25

Drink and drugs can make you more vulnerable

Young people can be at risk of sexual grooming – being made to believe they are in a loving relationship when really they are being exploited