Today Cumbria Police is launching a week-long campaign to shine a spotlight on sexual violence and abuse.

The campaign will ask the public to take part in social media opinion polls.

Specialist officers will analyse the results of the poll and respond to any areas of concern the public identify.

The campaign has been set up to provide information, practical advice, guidance and signposting for victims.

The appeal will tackle a different topic every day ranging from consent, sexting, personal safety and safer dating.

Cumbria Police has issued that there has been a 39 per cent increase in reported sexual violence and abuse.

Although reports of crime has increased in the county, according to Cumbria Police, this reflects an improved victim focus on the recording of crime and the confidence of victims to come froward, including with historic offences.

Detective Superintendent Vicki Ellis said:"Sadly we often see a rise in the number of sexual offence incidents at this time of the year. There is no excuse for abuse and that it is why it is important to run such awareness campaigns.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to warn potential offenders to stop and think about the harm that they are doing. Cumbria Constabulary and our partners will not tolerate sexual abuse and offenders will be brought to justice.

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"Even though some areas of sexual violence are under-reported, every year we see more and more people having the confidence to pick up the phone and report abusive incidents.

"I would like to reassure victims that all reports are taken seriously, dealt with sensitively and professionally and specialist support will be provided."

There are a number of ways in which victims can get help by contacting support services such as The Brideway, SafetyNet and Brathay Trust.

There are also support services available to those who feel they are at risk offending such as Stop it now! You can contact them on 0808 1000 900 and Samaritans.

This week-long campaign will cover a large amount of important information to help keep people safe and encourage reporting.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: "This is a really important campaign, especially so this time of year when sadly, experience tells us that there is a greater chance that someone will become a victim of sexual violence."

"That said, what we aim to achieve through this campaign is to ensure people have the confidence to report incidents, and let them know where they can get help. When people receive the right type of support at the point of need, they are more likely to take positive steps to recovery."