Students warned about change in rape laws as festive period approaches

POLICE Officers will visit university campuses in Edinburgh in the coming weeks to educate students about a change in the law surrounding rape and sexual assaults.

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Students spoken to about changes in rape laws

A NEW campaign tackling rape is targeting university and college students over the festive period.

Police said they are working with Edinburgh and Napier universities, among others, to educate 18 to 27-year-olds about a shift in the law and change attitudes towards rape and sexual assaults.

Officers will visit a number of campuses in the coming weeks.

They are underlining that a person incapable through drink or drugs is considered incapable to consent to sex, and that consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Male rape is now legally classified for the first time.

Chief Superintendent Malcolm Graham from Lothian and Borders Police said: "With the festive holidays fast-approaching, we know that there will be significantly more young people out in bars and clubs.

"I hope that by working with educational establishments and receiving their support for the campaign, we can reach our target market effectively and educate them about the key areas of change in the legislation."