HAMPSHIRE police are launching a campaign to remind young men what constitutes rape.

The initiative uses social media to promote an online game, ‘Seal the Deal’, which is designed to demonstrate to men what is classed as rape and sexual assault.

Using the context of a night out it asks men to ‘test their pulling power’.

It takes the male perspective and allows people playing the game to make choices about what move to make, whether to take no for an answer and when to go home.

Detective Chief Inspector Tara Williams said: “This campaign aims to raise the awareness of consent, a person doesn’t have to say ‘no’ to show they don’t want to have sex.

“We are targeting young men as statistically they are more likely to commit an offence. Whether you are 16 and getting drunk at a friend’s party or 28 and heading into town for a few drinks, the message is simple, cross the line and its rape.”

In 2013/14 there were 695 reported offences of rape and sexual assault in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, an increase of 9.5 per cent compared to the previous year.

Police say nearly half of all rapists know their victims and 21 per cent of rapes are committed by a current or ex-partner.

The cities of Southampton and Portsmouth remain force hotspots followed by Basingstoke. Southampton is the only city to have seen an increase in offences.

A series of posters using the strap line ‘cross the line and its rape’ will be placed in men’s restrooms in bars and clubs.

The campaign starts today.