Young cinema-goers are being targeted by a powerful rape reduction film, launched by Hertfordshire Police this week.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has released the new hard-hitting film, which will be shown in cinemas from Friday, to coincide with Christmas and make people more aware of the danger of rape.

The advertising campaign is to be run in cinemas across the county and is so powerful it has been given a 15 certificate.

The adverts specifically target young women and warn about keeping themselves safe when out in pubs and clubs.

As part of the campaign, posters will also placed on the back of toilet doors in 26 bars and clubs across the county.

The short film, called Everything has Changed, tells the story of a young woman who meets a man at a local club and is aimed at showing how easy it is for both young men and women to misread signal Detective Superintendent Jon Chapman said: “Through this campaign we hope to strike a chord with young women and men and help them to consider how their attitudes and behaviour can change when out drinking with friends.

“Excessive drinking can place people in a variety of negative situations that most would never dream of getting into when they have their full wits about them.”

The Constabulary has already made launched a dedicated Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT), in September.

The service provides victims with an 18 strong team of officers, experienced in dealing with sexual assaults and rape 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

David Padgett, area manager for victim support in Hertfordshire, said: “Experiencing rape or a serious sexual assault is an awful thing to happen to someone, but the important thing to remember is that whatever the circumstances we are here to help and support you regardless of whether you decide to go to the police or not.”

The cinema advertisements will be screening in Watford, Stevenage, Hatfield and Hemel Hempstead.