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Physical Assault - FAQ

1. What measures can I take to avoid an assault abroad?
   
   
2. What should I do if I am physically assaulted or threatened with violence abroad?
   
   
3. Should I report the incident to Canadian government officials?
   
   
4. How can I replace personal belongings stolen abroad?
   
   
5. What should I do if the offender is arrested?
   
   
6. What types of emergency financial assistance are provided by the government of Canada to victims of violent crimes abroad?

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1.   What measures can I take to avoid an assault abroad?

The following precautions are recommended while travelling abroad:

• Avoid travelling at night on long-distance or international buses or trains. Try to travel early in the day, so that you will have time to find a suitable place to spend the night before dark.
• Make sure your accommodations are in a safe area. Wherever possible, try to share a room with someone you know.
• Never open your door to anyone without taking precautions, such as confirming the visitor’s identity with hotel reception. Assailants often disguise themselves as repair or delivery persons to gain entry to a residence.
• Conceal in a money belt or neck pouch any necessities that cannot be easily replaced and that are crucial to your travel arrangements: your passport, airline ticket, credit and debit cards, traveller’s cheques, cash, a copy of your insurance policy, and contact information for the nearest Canadian government office abroad.
• Study a street map of your destination in advance. Avoid opening a map while out on the street—or do so as discreetly as possible—in order to avoid giving the impression that you are lost or vulnerable.
• Avoid sightseeing in isolated areas. Beware of petty criminals who target tourists. They may work individually or in teams, sometimes posing as good Samaritans or causing distractions to steal belongings.

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2.   What should I do if I am physically assaulted or threatened with violence abroad?

Take the following steps immediately:

• Contact the local authorities as soon as possible and ensure that a police report is completed. If injuries prevent you from doing so, ensure that someone else fills out a report for you. A consular official from the nearest Canadian government office abroad can assist you with this process.
• If you are unable to go to the police immediately, record all details to jog your memory later on. If possible, have photographs taken of your injuries.
• Seek medical and other professional assistance. If the assault was violent, do not just assume that you are physically well; seek confirmation from a professional. See our FAQs on Medical Matters for further advice.
• Make arrangements to contact family and friends back home to reassure them about your safety and well-being, especially if you have been unable to contact them due to the assault.

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3.   Should I report the incident to Canadian government officials?

Be sure to report the assault to the nearest Canadian government office abroad and/or contact our Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For contact details, see our FAQs on Crisis Situations.

Canadian consular officials can:

• provide support in dealing with the emotional, social, medical, and legal consequences of the assault;
• assist in contacting relatives or friends;
• put you in contact with counselling services locally or in Canada;
• assist in meeting your basic safety needs; and
• ensure that a proper investigation is carried out and charges laid if the assailant has been identified.

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4.   How can I replace personal belongings stolen abroad?

See our FAQs on Lost or Stolen Belongings for information on replacing such items as passports, travel documents, and credit cards.

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5.   What should I do if the offender is arrested?

If the offender is arrested, you will be required to give testimony and attend legal proceedings. As in Canada, legal proceedings may be prolonged. Such events can be traumatic. You should make arrangements to talk to family and friends or to a professional about the incident.

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6.   What types of emergency financial assistance are provided by the Government of Canada to victims of violent crimes abroad?

The Department of Justice Canada provides financial assistance to Canadians who are victims of violent crimes abroad, in situations of undue hardship where no other source of financial assistance is available. The specified crimes are homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, or assault with serious personal violence.

See our FAQs on Financial Assistance for further information.