Sexual assault and harassment

On this page:

• Know the risk before you go
• Avoiding dangerous situations
• What to do after a sexual assault
• Reporting a sexual assault overseas
• Counselling support
• How the Australian Government can help

Know the risk before you go

Sexual assault and harassment can happen anywhere, to anyone. It's never the victim's fault. Both men and women can be victim/survivors of sexual assault when overseas.

People who commit sexual assault may try to control you using alcohol, drugs, threats or violence.

Sexual assault and sexual harassment are crimes in Australia. Unfortunately, it's common or even legal in some countries.

No one can completely avoid the risk of sexual assault. Here are some things you can do to prepare for your overseas trip.

• Read the travel advice for your destination. Find out if sexual assault is common or legal.
• Research the laws and customs of the places you'll visit. Find out if they have cultural standards for clothing or behaviour, especially for women.
• You may want to do a self-defence or sexual assault prevention course before you go. These can give you strategies to protect yourself.

See the World Health Organisation's interactive map on sexual violence in different countries. Learn more about violence against women and sexual violence.

Avoiding dangerous situations

Before you go, know what to watch out for. This includes what to avoid when exploring or socialising.

When exploring new places

• Be aware of what's happening around you. If you feel uncomfortable, leave.
• Be careful of invitations from strangers. Especially if they try to separate you from your friends.
• Wear clothing that respects local laws and customs, even if you disagree. It can help you avoid unwanted attention.
• Watch out for people following you, especially at night. Find somewhere busy and well-lit if you think someone is following you.
• Avoid going into the back rooms of shops where you can't see the street.
• Avoid walking alone or through dark areas at night. If you head out, always take someone you trust.
• Only use licensed taxis. Don't accept offers from drivers who approach you.
• Don't wear resort wristbands or other items that tell people where you're staying.

When socialising

• If a bartender makes your cocktail or mixer out of sight, don't accept it. You won't know what's in it. Only take a drink you've watched them make from start to finish.
• Reduce the risk of drink spiking. Don't leave your drink unattended, especially in bars or public spaces.
• Be aware of the risk of needle spiking.
• Stay in control when drinking. Don't use drugs. It's easier for someone to target you when you're drunk or high.
• Be careful leaving a venue with someone you've just met. Even if it's just as friends. You're more vulnerable when you're alone.

Read our full advice on partying safely

In your accommodation or in transit

• Don't go into your accommodation if any doors or windows are broken. Contact reception or the police.
• Don't hang towels or clothing on the balcony railings of your accommodation. People can use them to find out which room is yours.
• Sit up the front near the driver on buses and coaches.
• If you're travelling overnight on a train, boat, or bus, choose a seat that offers more protection

Cyber security

Cybercrime is a growing risk. People can use your online activity to find out information about you. They may also use apps to target victims.

• Don't share your social media accounts with someone you just met. Consider making your accounts private.
• Don't post information or photos online that someone could use to find where you're currently staying. Wait until you've left an area to post holiday snaps.

Read our full advice on cyber security while travelling.

Dating apps

Australian travellers have been sexually assaulted 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.

What to do immediately after a sexual assault

Sex outside of marriage is a crime in some countries. Victim/survivors of sexual assault have even been arrested after reporting an assault or getting medical care. Call the nearest Australian embassy or consulate for advice if you're unsure. You can also call the Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Sexual assault can leave you feeling powerless and ashamed, but you can take control of what you do next:

1. Get to safety and get support

Try to move to a safe place.

If you can, find someone you know and trust to support you. You'll need to make decisions after you have been sexually assaulted.

2. Get medical care

You may need urgent medical care. Find a hospital. Medical staff can:

• treat your injuries
• collect medical evidence
• help you with emergency contraception
• test you for sexually transmitted diseases
• provide you with post-exposure treatment for HIV/AIDS
• provide advice and help you contact police or other authorities.

Find the number for local emergency services in your destination's travel advice. You can also contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate to get a list of local facilities.

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.

3. Gather evidence

Getting a medical assessment quickly can get evidence for the police. Medical clinics and hospitals generally have special kits for sexual assault testing.

If you're thinking about reporting your assault to the police, medical evidence needs to be collected within 72 hours of the assault.

To collect evidence, go straight to the hospital without:

• bathing
• changing clothes
• washing or throwing away anything that may be evidence.

Reporting a sexual assault overseas

In most countries, sexual assault is a crime. Support is available through the police. Once you've reported the crime, the police can investigate.

Sexual assault investigation and trials

Investigations can take some time. If you get a lawyer, they can help police with the ongoing case and keep it active.

In many countries, you must go to court for the case to proceed. This can be stressful and expensive.

You may have to return to give evidence if the case goes to trial. If you decide not to appear at a court hearing, authorities are likely to drop the charges.

Only a lawyer can represent you at a trial. Your lawyer should have access to information held by the magistrate about your case. The Australian embassy or consulate can give you a list or local lawyers.

Depending on local regulations and work priorities, Australian consular staff may attend the trial to support you.

Counselling support

Sexual assault is traumatic, especially if it happens overseas and away from home. It can also be distressing for families and friends of victim/survivors.

You may want to talk about what happened and get help from a counsellor. Counselling can give you a safe, private place to talk with someone who'll listen.

For crisis counselling while you're overseas, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305. They can give you a list of local services or connect you to a service in Australia.

For crisis counselling when you get back to Australia, call Lifeline or 1800 Respect.

How the Australian Government can help

The Australian Government is limited in how and when it can help you overseas. It's important to understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter for what we can and can't do.
To contact us in an emergency:

• Call the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
• Call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

What we can do

• We can help you get medical care.
• We can explain your choices and support you if you choose to report the crime to the police.
• We can provide a list of lawyers and explain legal processes in general terms.
• We can contact relatives or friends, with your consent.
• We can help you access local support services.
• We can transfer you to an Australian sexual assault counselling service, or a Lifeline telephone counsellor.
• We can provide a Traveller's Emergency Loan if you need emergency money.
• We can help you find accommodation, arrange flights home, and contact your travel insurer.

What we can't do

• We can't give legal or medical advice.
• We can't make decisions for you.
• We can't represent you at a trial.
• We can't force local authorities to act. However, we can make representations on a victim/survivor's behalf when appropriate.

Read more

• Read the 'safety' and 'local laws' sections in the travel advisory for your destinations.
• Understand how and when we can help. Read the Consular Service Charter.

See also

• Sexual violence is a global issue. See the WHO's interactive map on sexual violence prevalence in different countries (The WHO).
• Learn more about sexual harassment (Australian Human Rights Commission).
• Learn more about sexual violence as a major health and welfare issue (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).