Packs to protect female drinkers

The packs highlight the risk of excessive drinking

Efforts to protect women in south Devon from getting into trouble after having too much to drink have been launched.

The Sexual Attack and Sexual Health (Sash) project is meant to guard women in Torbay from both attacks and the risk of infections from consensual sex.

Women can now pick up the so-called Sash kits, which include a pouch to put out cigarettes, condoms, advice leaflets and bottled water.

The scheme involves police, taxi firms, local businesses and Torbay Council.

'Proactive stance'

The packs have been designed to highlight the risk of excessive drinking and risks to sexual health that can result.

Cab drivers have been given special advice on what to do if they think female passengers are at risk of being taken advantage of.

Acting Sgt Dave Pebworth, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the first distribution of packs on Saturday night went well.

He said: "I think it's important to stress early on that this attack is very rare.

"However, one is more than we want, and we want women to take a proactive stance in their own protection and warn them that they can be at risk if they drink to excess."