Over the next few weeks in Christchurch and other cities in New Zealand there will be an influx of students and young people about to start their year at a University, polytechnic or other tertiary institution.
For many it may be their first time living away from home, in a flat and looking after themselves. Not only will there be the changes in taking responsibility for oneself but these are also exacerbated by the pressures of living in an exciting, student environment with a strong emphasis on alcohol and sexual freedom.
These can often be difficult to balance. This is also a time of year unfortunately when there is often an increase in sexual offences say Christchurch Police. There is no clear reason why says Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey.
"People are out later, there's more alcohol about, - any combination of factors....there is a disturbing increase in the number of sexual offence complaints in the summer months. While some complaints are made directly to police, many offences are alleged when women go for help to the Family Planning Association, Sexual Health and family doctors."
Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey says that police are part of the process once a complaint has been made directly or referred to them by the Family Planning Association, Sexual Health Clinics, Rape Crisis or a doctor.
"It doesn't matter who sees you first, though we do encourage victims to come to police early so we can gather evidence," he says. "We are here to help through out the process knowing it is a traumatic time in an individual's life. All the agencies work together to try to deal with you in the most sensitive manner possible."
If you are the subject of an incident involving an indecency or sexual affront, police want to hear from you even if you are unsure what has happened to you.
David Harvey advises that women and men should be mindful of their own safety and endeavour to not get into situations where, through excess alcohol or isolation from others, they are unable to maintain control of the situation.
"Leaving with someone you don't know, going to a property you don't know, or deciding to walk home at night alone can all be situations where you end up out of control," he says. "Get a taxi home and if you feel concerned in that, get a ride to a house / a friend whom you know."
Family Planning Association chief executive Jackie Edmond agrees. "We absolutely encourage women and men to look after each other and keep an eye on their friends when they're out, especially if they are intoxicated," she says. "Agencies such as the Family Planning Association, Sexual Health Clinics and general practitioners are safe places for people to visit if they believe they may have had unsafe sex. Clinical staff are supportive and non-judgemental and can provide STI testing and prescribe the Emergency Contraceptive Pill if required."
DO
Look after yourself and your friends, watch out for the most vulnerable person in your group.
Look after your drinks at bars and don't leave them unattended.
Monitor how much you are drinking. It takes a while to learn how much you can cope with and you need to judge that carefully. Remember that each individual is different and how much food you've eaten and how tired you are can affect your alcohol consumption.
Be careful about putting yourself in an isolated position that is not supported by your friends or the public.
Contact police or another agency if you think you have been subjected to an indecency or sexual affront.
Process of a complaint
You think you have been subjected to an indecency or sexual affront.
Go to police or another agency and report as soon as possible.
You will have a statement taken by a police officer either before or after your medical examination.
You'll have a medical examination by trained female doctors.
Police will make inquiries in a supportive way into the complaint.
Dr Lynda Gray, DSAC
Jackie Edmond, Chief Executive, Family Planning
Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey, Canterbury CIB