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Suffolk Police report rise in online dating sexual assaults

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Suffolk Police are warning of an increase in sexual assault cases linked to online dating as part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (3-9 February).

Why it matters: Police say they're seeing more reports of domestic and sexual assault, including rape, involving people who met through dating and gaming websites.

What they're saying: "Unfortunately, we are seeing a rise in disclosures and reported incidents of domestic and sexual assault, including rape, that involve people who have met online," Detective Superintendent Nicky Wallace said.

"We are advising people to be vigilant and cautious when meeting someone from the internet; you may feel closer to them following online exchanges, but the harsh reality is that this person is still a stranger."

Suffolk Police are warning of an increase in sexual assault cases linked to online dating as part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week
Suffolk Police are warning of an increase in sexual assault cases linked to online dating as part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness WeekSuffolk Constabulary

The bigger picture: Suffolk Constabulary is part of Operation Soteria, a national collaboration between academics, investigators and the CPS to develop a new operating model that improves how sexual violence and sexual abuse cases are investigated and prosecuted.

By the numbers: While specific figures aren't currently available, police will begin recording relationships between victims and suspects as part of Operation Soteria to identify patterns and develop preventative measures.

What's next: Police are urging people to:

  • Video chat before meeting in person

  • Tell friends about meeting plans

  • Meet only in public places

  • Arrange their own transport

  • Be cautious about sharing personal information online

  • Never send intimate photos

If you require support: Suffolk has a dedicated sexual assault referral centre, The Ferns, providing specialist support, including:

  • Medical examinations following recent assaults

  • Crisis Workers

  • Independent Sexual Violence Advisers

  • Support services without police involvement

The bottom line: Anyone wanting to speak confidentially about sexual abuse or violence can contact Suffolk police on 101, or The Ferns on 0330 223 0099.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

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Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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