smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Sexual Assault overseas

Approximately 65 Australians overseas report sexual assault every year. Some do not report assaults.

Sexual assault can traumatise the victim, particularly when they are travelling overseas. It can also be a distressing experience for families and friends. This leaflet advises victims and their families how to deal with a sexual assault if it occurs overseas and explains what an Australian consular officer can do to help.

Sexual assault can happen anywhere to anyone - whatever their age or gender.

Sexual assault is an act of violence. It is never about love or affection. It violates a person's sense of safety and control and can leave them feeling powerless and dishonoured.

Perpetrators of sexual assault may use drugs, threats, power, force and manipulation (or a combination of these) to attempt to control another person's body, senses and emotions.

Within Australia, perpetrators of sexual assault are usually male and it is most common for females to experience sexual assault, although it can happen to males as well. Perpetrators are most often someone known and trusted by their victim. This may include a partner, parent, sibling, grandparent, relative, mentor, friend, work colleague, family member or neighbour.

In cases of sexual assault involving travellers, the perpetrator is more commonly a stranger and happens to both men and women.

CASE STUDY: A young Australian traveller had gone into a local bar to sample the night life. He bought himself a drink and left it on the bar while he went to the toilet. He woke the next morning lying underneath an ATM machine in the street. He had been drugged, sexually assaulted and robbed. Two days later, he cancelled the rest of his tour and returned home.

What can I do?

First, make sure you won’t be assaulted again by going to a safe location.

If possible, find someone you know and trust to support you. This will be a difficult time and you need to be in control of decisions that are made relating to the assault. Being sexually assaulted can cause people to feel powerless, so it is essential that you have support and can make decisions that are right for you. Remember, you are in control of the response.

Consider contacting the nearest sexual assault service or telephoning a sexual assault crisis line if one exists to discuss what happened. If you are not sure what services may be available contact the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate for assistance. Seek information and advice about your safety, medical issues, legal concerns, and the steps associated with reporting an assault in your location.

Get immediate medical assistance. You may have injuries or other concerns. It is important to consider sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. Doctors can offer advice, testing, treatment and assistance with emergency contraception. In particular, ask about post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV/AIDS. An early medical examination may provide important evidence if you decide to report the assault. Medical staff may also assist you to contact police or other authorities.

Decide whether you want to report the assault to the police. If it is a recent rape or sexual assault and you are considering making a report, it is best for forensic evidence if medical samples are taken within 72 hours. The evidence is most effectively collected if the person goes straight to the hospital after an assault - without bathing, changing clothes and does not wash/throw out anything that could potentially be used as evidence.

At a later stage, consider counselling with a supportive and experienced counsellor. This should give you a safe, private place to talk with someone who believes you and who will listen. It is not uncommon for people to try a few counsellors before they find someone with whom they feel comfortable. Use a telephone counselling or support services if you need someone to talk to, especially at times of crisis. Consular staff can provide referrals.

Tips to avoid becoming a victim of sexual assault

• Be aware of your surroundings and if you feel uncomfortable leave.
• At night have a friend to walk with you and avoid poorly lit streets.
• In bars - do not leave your drink unattended.
• At home – if your door or window is broken do not enter your home. Instead call the police from a mobile or a public phone.
• Avoid going into back rooms of shops where you cannot see the street.
• Be aware that single woman travellers can attract unwelcome attention.
• If attacked, scream to draw attention.

How can a family and/or friend help?

• Always believe victims of sexual assault and reassure them it is not their fault.
• Try and offer them a safe environment, free of further sexual assault.
• Don’t blame the victim!
• Don’t push the victim to make quick decisions. Let the victim decide the pace in which he/she wants to talk about the experience. It takes time to open up even to family members after traumatic experience. Be a good listener, patient and supportive.

How can Australian Consular staff assist?

• Support you in seeking medical assistance and reporting the crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends (we will not contact anyone without the victim’s consent).
• Provide a list of doctors and lawyers and explain legal processes in general terms.
• Contact or provide a list of counselling services if available locally or in Australia.
• Provide a Traveller's Emergency Loan (emergency access to funds) if required.
• Help you to find accommodation, arrange flights home and contact your insurer.

CASE STUDY: A young Australian woman was attending a conference in a foreign city and went shopping downtown for the afternoon. A young man approached her, greeted her by name and explained he was from the hotel where she was staying and would look after her. He took her to meet friends at another hotel and bought her a drink. When she woke in the morning she had been assaulted and robbed. She discovered she was still wearing her conference name tag - which was how the man had known her name.

Important things to consider

• In many countries, victims might not find the same level of support as they would expect in Australia. You might need to contact friends or family for additional support.
• Consular staff cannot make decisions for victims but, as they are aware of local conditions, they should be able to provide you with information and help you to examine your options.
• Consular staff cannot force local authorities to act when they are unwilling to do so but can make representations on a victim's behalf where appropriate.
• Consular staff cannot represent a victim at a trial - only a lawyer can do that and only a lawyer should have access to information held by the magistrate concerning the case.
• Depending on local regulations and work priorities, consular staff may attend judicial proceedings as an observer to emphasise the Australian Government's interest in the case.

The Reality of Sexual Assault

There are many myths surrounding sexual assault. These myths often deny the reality of sexual assault by diminishing the perceived effects of the attack, blaming the victims and protecting the offender by implying that they are not responsible for their abusive actions or behaviour.

Statistics gathered on sexual assault by professional support services suggest that:

• perpetrators are most often male, and someone that the victim thought they could trust
• most victims are women and children, but men can also be victims of sexual violence
• many victims of sexual assault prefer to remain silent about the assault than to report it
• sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference or socio-economic background
• sexual assault is always harmful and can impact upon the victim's physical, psychological, social, spiritual and intellectual wellbeing. Sexual assault is a crime of violence. Victims require ongoing professional support.

CASE STUDY: Two young women holidaying in South-East Asia were taken with other travellers to a full moon party on a nearby island. On the boat ride over, the women sampled some of the local coconut liquor. The women didn't remember much after that and when they woke up on the beach the next morning, both had been robbed. Worse still, a local hospital confirmed one of the women had been raped. Drink spiking followed by sexual assault is all too common in parts of South-East Asia. Foreign women are regularly targeted.

If you have experienced sexual assault

Sexual assault is never the victim's fault. Try not to blame yourself. The perpetrator is the only one responsible for the assault. No one deserves to be raped or assaulted, no matter what!

Everyone reacts differently and your feelings are normal considering what you have been through. Don’t be too hard on yourself and seek support from people you trust.

After a traumatic experience, you may have feelings of emotional and practical upheaval.

It is important for you to take the time and space you need to deal with what has happened.

Seek professional advice and help to complement your existing support network.

Sexual assault is a crime and support options are available through police and the legal system.

The 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra can also be contacted for assistance from anywhere in the world on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 (local call cost within Australia).

Help in Australia

In Australia your local state and territory Rape Counselling Services (RCP) can provide further help, if required. Trained and qualified staff will handle your call and provide you with necessary information and help. The RCP contact numbers are:

• Australian Capital Territory: 02 6247 2525 (24-hours)
• New South Wales: 02 9819 6565
• Northern Territory: 08 8922 7156 (24 hours), 08 8945 0155
• Queensland: 1800 010 120 (QLD only), 07 3636 5206
• South Australia: 1800 814 421 (SA only), 08 8226 8777 (b/h), 08 8226 8787 (a/h)
• Tasmania: 03 6231 1811 (24 hours)
• Victoria: 1800 806 292 (VIC only), 03 9344 2210
• Western Australia: 1800 199 888 (24 hours, WA only), 08 9340 1828