CONTENT|CONTENU

Sexual Assault - FAQ

1. How can I prevent a sexual assault while travelling abroad?
   
   
2. What should I do if I am the victim of sexual assault abroad?
   
   
3. Should I report the incident to Canadian government officials?
   
   
4. What should I do if the offender is arrested?
   
   
5. What types of emergency financial assistance are provided by the Government of Canada to victims of violent crimes abroad?
   

---

1.  How can I prevent a sexual assault while travelling abroad?

The following precautions are recommended:

• Consider investing in a self-defence course before going abroad.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Don’t allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t know or trust.
• If you are being followed in an urban area, cross to the opposite side of the street and head for the nearest open business or occupied dwelling.
• If you are in danger, use any means necessary to draw attention to the situation, such as shouting for help in the local language or activating a personal security alarm that emits a piercing sound.
• Never open your door to strangers.
• Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers. Ask local hotels to recommend reputable taxi services and, whenever possible, double up with someone you know when travelling by cab.
• If you attend a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for one another, and leave together.
• Never accept food or drink from strangers. Hypnotic drugs may be present, putting you at risk of sexual assault. Do not leave a beverage unattended or accept a drink in an open container.
• For further advice, see our FAQs on Physical Assault.

---

2.  What should I do if I am the victim of sexual assault abroad?

Take the following steps as soon as possible:

• Contact the police immediately and ensure that a police report is completed, even if you have simply been threatened with violence. Local emergency contact numbers can be found in our Travel Reports. Consular officials from the nearest Canadian government office abroad can assist you with this process.
• If you are unable to go to the police immediately, write down all the details you can recall about the attack and the attacker. If possible, have photographs taken of your injuries.
• Preserve evidence of the attack. Don’t bathe or brush your teeth.
• Seek medical assistance. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. If the assault was violent, do not assume that you are physically well; seek confirmation from a health care professional. See our FAQs on Medical Matters for further advice.
• Make arrangements to contact family and friends back home to reassure them about your well-being, especially if you have been unable to contact them due to the assault.
• To help cope with the trauma, discuss the incident with family and friends or with a professional counsellor.

---

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.
  

---

4.  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.

---

5.  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.