REVELLERS in Derbyshire are being urged to stay safe over Christmas and protect themselves against rape and sexual assault.

Figures released by Derbyshire police show that a third of rape victims in the county believe their attacker was under the influence of alcohol.

A quarter of victims had themselves drunk alcohol.

It is hoped that the National Rape Awareness Campaign, launched this week, will reduce the number of attacks over the festive period.

Detective Inspector Mark Knibbs said: "Many of the cases we deal with can often involve alcohol and we know that the more alcohol someone drinks, the lower their inhibitions are and the more vulnerable they become.

"The message we want people to take away is aimed at potential victims and offenders: drink responsibly and try to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation."

Help and support is available to rape victims in Derbyshire through the Derbyshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Millfield House.

The centre was a lifeline for one 30-year-old woman, who can't be named for legal reasons, who was raped by her boyfriend three years ago.

She was referred to Millfield House by the police and has now spoken out about her experiences to highlight the work done at the centre, in mid-Derbyshire.

She said: "I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for Millfield House and its team.

"I needed breathing space to process what had happened to me and how I was going to deal with it.

"The staff and volunteers that dealt with me were amazing and eased me through a traumatic experience step by step."

The centre was set up in 2004 with money from the Home Office and is jointly run and funded by the police and the charity Derbyshire Rape Crisis.

Manager Amanda Farquhar said: "If a victim wants to press charges it is important that evidence is collected quickly and we have medical rooms here where this can be done.

"The evidence can then be frozen so there is no rush to come to a decision on whether to go ahead or not."

To contact the centre's 24-hour crisis line call on 0845 129 0111.