New PSNI statistics show that 47 sexual offences were recorded in Strabane alone in the last year.

Yet police are insistent that our streets are safe for women.

A total of 1,606 sex offences were recorded between April 1, 2007 and February 29 this year, which police say is a 3% drop from the previous year.

Sexual offences can be categorised as anything from indecent exposure to rape, and it is not clear how many of the 47 offences in the Strabane area have been sexual attacks.

The results are issued only a few days after the safety of women on our streets has been thrust into the spotlight again, when another teenager was raped in the Botanic Gardens area of Belfast.

Marie Brown, Area Manager of Foyle Women's Aid, says the public must work closely with police so that rapists and sexual offenders remain behind bars.

152 attacks were recorded in the Foyle area, the highest throughout the North and Marie says that, although there are a number of precautions women can take, these attacks can still happen.

"Women must realise first and foremost that, if they find themselves as the victim of a sexual attack, they are not to blame. Even the most cautious of women can be attacked.

"Women should stay in well lit areas at night, stay in groups and arrange proper licensed taxis. If there is alcohol involved then be extra cautious.

"If you are going to go off with someone then make sure your friends or family know exactly where you are going and who you are with."

"People have to remember, no matter how careful you think you are being, you can never be careful enough," she added.