The six-week campaign, called "Short word, long sentence", features radio advertising and a special website where people can get advice, support and information on rape.

For the first week, the campaign will also be supported by national TV adverts.

Posters and stickers to raise awareness will be put up in bars, pubs and clubs across the Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland forces, aimed at both men and women. The campaign will also be highlighted in libraries, doctor's surgeries, universities and on public transport in the region.

Durham Detective Superintendent Andy Reddick said: "Around the festive season lots of people will be out socialising and heading to Christmas parties and we want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe time.

"Stranger rape is a rare crime, it is much more likely to happen between people who know each other, either in a domestic situation or between people who've met socialising.

"We want to get across a clear message that if someone does not consent to sex then it is rape. Excessive drinking can cause people to think and behave differently and we want people to consider how much they are drinking before they put themselves at risk."

The new website contains information on reporting rape to police, the role of sexual assault referral centres and counselling and support services available.

Det Supt Reddick added: "Rape is a hugely traumatic experience but we want people to know help is always available and we'd urge people to come forward and report it - the services which can help do not shut down over Christmas."

Baroness Stern, who is leading the independent review into the way rape complaints are handled by public authorities, said: "It is my pleasure to support the launch of this important campaign and I am sure it will be a successful initiative.

"I am in Northumbria today as part of my review looking at how public authorities respond to rape complaints, and police forces and other authorities including the CPS around the country are doing a lot of very good work in this area.

"However there is still more to be done, so from today I am inviting those working with victims of rape – and victims themselves – to submit views and evidence to my review."

The website is www.shortwordlongsentence.com and can also be accessed through the Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland Police websites.