Assault

Last Updated
Wednesday, 24/09/2025

 

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Know the risk before you go

Assaults can happen when you travel overseas. The attack could be by a stranger or someone you know.

Types of assault can include:

  • common assaults that don't cause injury
  • violent assaults that cause injuries
  • road rage and road-based crime, such as violent carjacking
  • verbal and emotional abuse
  • stalking
  • sexual assault.

How to reduce your risk of assault

You can take steps to lessen the chance of an attack while travelling. Remember, you can only reduce the risk. You can't completely stop it from happening.

Do your research

  • Research where you're going. Find out what violent crimes are common.
  • Ask your hotel manager, tour guide, or a local which parts of your location to avoid and where to be careful.
  • Learn the local culture and the law.

Avoid dangerous situations

  • Be alert and aware of what's happening around you. If something doesn't feel right, leave.
  • Explore new areas with someone you trust. Avoid walking alone.
  • Don't go into dark areas at night. If you must, take someone you trust with you.
  • Avoid going into the back rooms of shops. If you can't see the street, other people can't see you. It's easier for someone to assault you when there are no witnesses.
  • Be careful of invitations from strangers. Especially if they invite you to their homes.
  • Don't show your cash or your valuables. Showing people that you have valuable items with you can make you a target for criminals. They may violently rob or mug you.
  • Pick your battles. If someone is getting aggressive, know when to walk away before things turn violent.

Be cautious with dating apps

Australian travellers have been assaulted and robbed by someone they met on a dating app. Be careful if you're using dating apps overseas.

  • Share your plans with a trusted friend, including who and where you’re meeting. If you move to another location, tell them.
  • Choose somewhere to meet that’s well-lit and in public. Don’t go somewhere you’ll be isolated. Don’t share your accommodation details until you know you can trust them.
  • Make sure your phone is charged. Turn location services on. Save the numbers of a trusted taxi service and local emergency services in your contacts.
  • Watch how much you drink. Protect your drink and food from spiking. Don’t do drugs. If you start to feel unwell, leave immediately and call for help.

Follow the law

  • Know the local laws.
  • Respect the local culture and religion. If you offend someone, they may get violent.
  • Pay your bills. People may get violent if you try to avoid paying for something.
  • Reduce the risk of a road rage incident. Learn and follow the road rules. Including unwritten social rules.
  • Don't take drugs or get drunk. This could make you an easy target.
  • Don't fight. In some countries, all violence is illegal, even if you consent. You could both be arrested for assault.

What to do immediately after an assault

Get to safety. Reduce the risk of being attacked again. This could include going to:

  • a busy place, such as a restaurant or shop
  • a police station or emergency services centre
  • a hospital.

See the emergency contacts section of your destination's travel advisory for local numbers, including medical and police contacts.

You can also contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate or the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre +61 2 6261 3305.

Urgent medical care after an assault

If an assault has left you injured, it's important to get help right away.

You may need emergency medical care. Go to the hospital.

Be prepared to pay for medical treatment.

  • Some hospitals may not treat you until you pay or give them your insurance details.
  • If you don't have travel insurance, you may need to ask your family or friends back home for money.

Some of your injuries may not be visible after an assault. Only a medical professional can work out the extent of some injuries.

It's your decision whether to get medical care after an assault. Delaying treatment may lead to other problems in the long term.

Victim/survivors of sexual attacks have been arrested after getting medical help in some countries. Contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate if you're unsure about getting medical care. Read our advice about sexual assault.

If you need urgent emotional support, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305. They can connect you to a counsellor or give you a list of local support services.

Urgent financial needs after an assault

You may need money urgently if you've been scammed, robbed or mugged, as well as assaulted. You may need it to pay your medical bills or to continue your travels.

  • Contact your friends and family. Ask if they can transfer money to you.
  • Contact your bank's overseas emergency number. They may be able to help you access your money quickly.
  • Contact your travel insurer's emergency number. Most have ways to help you overseas.

The Australian Government can't pay your bills or loan you money.

Reporting an assault overseas

Deciding to report a crime that happens to you while you're in another country is up to you. In some countries, it's illegal not to report some types of crime.

You need to respect the local laws in your destination. If not, you could be arrested or jailed.

If you've been sexually assaulted, it can sometimes be hard to know what to do. It's against the law in some countries to have sex if you're not married. If you report a sexual attack in these places, authorities might treat you like you did something wrong, not like you are a victim/survivor. If you're unsure about reporting a sexual attack, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. Read our advice about sexual assault.

To report an assault, go to the nearest police station. You can also call the local emergency number. Try to remember and write down details like:

  • where and when it happened
  • what happened
  • anything you can remember about your attacker so you can describe them to the police
  • details of any witnesses.

Get a copy of the police report. Your travel insurance might not pay your claim without it.

The longer you wait to report the crime, the more difficult it is for local law enforcement to catch the person who did it. Police may need to collect forensic evidence from you or the crime scene.

We can give you the contact details for local police stations. Call the nearest Australian embassy or consulate, or the Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Claiming travel insurance after an assault

If you've been assaulted, you may need to make a travel insurance claim.

In many countries, the hospital will demand you hand over your insurance details for medical care.

You can contact your travel insurer to organise treatment if you need medical care. They can also pay for it. Most insurers have 24-hour helplines. If you've already been treated, call your insurance provider as soon as you can.

My insurance company says I'm not covered

Your health is your priority. Seek help from local doctors or hospitals.

If your insurer says you're not covered, you'll have to pay for your medical care. You may need to pay upfront.

If you can't afford to pay, contact your family and friends. Ask them for money.

You're breaking the law if you receive care and don't pay the bill. You could be arrested.

If you feel your insurance company has unfairly denied your claim, you can make a complaint. It may take some time to resolve. The CHOICE travel insurance buying guide outlines the complaints process.

How the Australian Government can help

We're limited in how and when we can help you overseas. It's important to understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter for what we can and can't do.

In most cases, you'll need to seek support from your family, friends or travel insurer.

What we can do

  • We can provide a list of local hospitals with doctors who speak English.
  • We can explain your choices and help you report the crime to the police if you decide to do so.
  • We can provide a list of local lawyers that speak English.
  • We can help you contact your relatives or friends with your consent.
  • We can help you access local support and counselling services if they are available.
  • We can transfer you to an Australian counselling service, including Lifeline.

In rare circumstances, we can help you:

  • find emergency accommodation
  • arrange flights home
  • contact your travel insurer.

We may also speak to local police for you when appropriate.

What we can't do

  • We can't give you legal or medical advice.
  • We can't make decisions for you. This includes whether to report a crime.
  • We can't investigate the assault. We also can't influence local police investigations.
  • We can't force local authorities to act or investigate the assault.
  • We can't represent you at a trial.
  • We can't advise you how to press charges.

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