Rape and sexual assault happens to both men and women of all ages and backgrounds and often the attacker is known to the victim. Rape is a very traumatic experience whenever and whereever it happens.
14 June 2005
However, the trauma can often be made even more difficult to cope when it happens abroad.
The Foreign Office has launched an information leaflet earlier this year that gives personal safety advice to British travellers on ways to minimise the risk of rape and sexual assault overseas.
In 2002, 129 rapes were reported to British consular staff. However, it is likely that many more cases go unreported.
Foreign Office Minister, Baroness Symons said: "The summer holiday season is underway. Most visits abroad are trouble-free but we are concerned that the number of reported incidents of rape and sexual assault is on the increase. We want to help minimise the risk of attack by giving British travellers clear advice on the steps they can take to increase their personal safety."
"Rape can, and does, happen to people from all backgrounds - women and men, young and old. It is a devastating experience, and the trauma can be made even more difficult to deal with when it happens away from home. Often people simply do not know where to turn. British consular staff overseas are there to be as helpful as they can in these situations. These guidelines are designed to give victims clear advice on how to seek help."
Elizabeth Lyell of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which supports the FCO initiative, said "The best way to protect yourself on holiday is to be in control. That means being aware, taking stock of your behaviour and knowing where the dangers may lie. This kind of information is vital in helping reassure holidaymakers. It is also an essential guide for travellers who find themselves victims."
The leaflet was developed in consultation with a range of specialists who work with and counsel rape victims, including the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Rape Crisis Federation, Survivors UK, and Project Sapphire, the Metropolitan Police scheme to improve rape investigation and victim care. It is designed to provide advice and guidance for victims of rape and sexual assault overseas.
The guidelines can be found online at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyoug and leaflets can be ordered by calling 020 7008 0187 or e-mailing publicity.consular@gtnet.gov.uk
TEN TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE ABROAD
1 Be wary of new ‘friends’. Don’t tell strangers where you are staying or give out too many details about your travel plans. Often people are raped or sexually assaulted by someone they know, even if they don’t know them very well.
2 Keep the phone number of the nearest British Consulate an a trustworthy taxi or minicab company with you at all times. (Hotels and tour companies can normally give you details of a trustworthy taxi or minicab company).
3 Always keep some money for phone calls and a taxi journey home form your destination separate from the spending money you take out with you.
4 Consider taking a mobile phone with roaming facility with you or renting one at your destination. Programme in useful numbers such as the local police, the British Consultate and a trustworthy taxi or cab company.
5 Be aware that drugs are sometimes used in rape. They are normally coulorless and tasteless and can make you virtually unconscious and defenceless. Once someone has added drugs to your drink, you will not normally be able to detect them.
6 Never accept drinks from strangers or from anyone you do not completely trust.
7 Never accept a lift from an unlicensed taxi, a sranger or someone you do not completely trust.
8 Never leave your hotel/apartment key where someone can note your room number.
9 If you feel threated stay calm, be firm and direct. You have the right to say ‘No’ at any point and if you feel pressured get out of the situation. Don’t assume it won’t happen to you.
10 If you feel uncomfortable don’t be afraid to draw attention to yourself. Consider how you might do this. In English speaking countries you may receive more attention if you should “fire!” rather than “help.