Northamptonshire Police launches campaign targeting non-contact sexual offences
It Does Matter campaign encourages victims to report and aims to prevent more serious crimes
Northamptonshire Police has launched a new campaign called It Does Matter to encourage victims to report non-contact sexual offences such as upskirting, voyeurism, and indecent exposure.
The campaign, seeks to raise awareness of these offences, which have often been overlooked as forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Police say that recognising and reporting such offences is important, as these behaviours can escalate into more serious crimes, including sexual assault and rape.
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Basham, leading the initiative for the Force, said: “I’m really pleased to be launching this campaign, which coincides with 16 Days of Activism - an annual global VAWG awareness campaign.
“We know there are women and girls in Northamptonshire who have been subjected to non-contact sexual offences. We also know that many may not understand the seriousness of such an offence and haven’t thought to report it to police.
“It may have been brushed off as something that happens to all women, or victims may not have known that it is a criminal offence. Our message is, it does not have to be brushed off and when it happens, we want to know."
DCI Basham explained that reporting these offences enables police to take action, gather intelligence, and prevent escalation to more severe crimes. More information about the campaign is available at www.itdoesmatter.org.uk .
Tackling public safety
Northamptonshire Police is ramping up its efforts to tackle VAWG with proactive measures across the county, including Operation Kayak. Officers regularly undertake policing initiatives in high-footfall areas to deter crime and safeguard vulnerable individuals.
DCI Basham said: “Operation Kayak is very effective at reducing offending behaviour and safeguarding the vulnerable. Our team of officers are on duty every weekend and are a visible presence.”
Measures include monitoring public behaviour, checking taxis for safety compliance, liaising with pubs, clubs, and door staff, and working with groups such as street pastors and volunteers at the Safer Nights Out Van (SNO van).
She added: “We want people to have a great, safe time in our towns. We are aiming to deter and disrupt individuals coming into town who are looking to engage in criminal activity.”
Police also use sniffer dogs to detect illegal drugs, including those linked to spiking incidents.
Facial recognition technology
As part of wider safety efforts, Northamptonshire Police will use Live Facial Recognition (LFR) cameras for the first time in town centres to target individuals at risk of offending against women and girls.
Dates for deployments include Northampton (5th December) and Wellingborough (6th December). High-risk sex offenders and suspects wanted for arrest will be prioritised on watchlists loaded onto the cameras.
LFR technology has previously been trialled by the Force during events like the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This marks its first use in town centre settings for this specific goal.