If you are the victim of sexual assault while travelling overseas

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Sexual assault can be traumatising and bewildering for the victim, particularly when travelling overseas. This leaflet attempts to assist the victim in dealing with the repercussions and explains how an Australian Consul can help.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre phone: 1300 555 135 within Australia (local call cost) or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone - whatever age, whatever 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.

Perpetrators of sexual assault use drugs, power, force and manipulation to attempt to control another person's body, senses and emotions.

Within Australia, perpetrators of sexual assault are usually male and most often someone known and trusted by their victim. This may include a partner, parent, sibling, grandparent, relative, friend, work colleague, family friend or neighbour. It's common for females to be the victim of sexual assault but it's important to realise that it can happen to males as well.

In cases of sexual assault involving travellers, the perpetrator is more commonly a stranger.

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 if I have experienced sexual assault?

First, make certain you are safe from further assault.

If possible, find someone who 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 are able to make the decisions that are right for you.

In countries where such services exist, consider contacting the nearest sexual assault service or telephone a sexual assault crisis line to discuss what happened and get information about relevant issues like medical and legal concerns.

Obtain medical assistance. You may have injuries resulting from the incident. It is also important to consider issues such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Doctors can offer testing, treatment and assistance with emergency contraception. In particular, ask about post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV/AIDS.

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. Although this may be difficult to do after an assault, the evidence is most effectively collected if the person goes straight to the hospital without bathing, changing clothes and does not wash/throw out anything that could potentially be used as evidence.

Consider counselling with a supportive and experienced counsellor. This should allow you a safe, private place to talk with someone who believes you and who will listen. Sometimes people try a few counsellors before they find someone with whom they feel comfortable.

Express your feelings in a journal, through artwork or any other way that feels safe. Try to avoid unwanted sexual relationships or sexual behaviour with which you feel uncomfortable, as this may cause you to feel re-traumatised.

Use a telephone counselling or support service if you need someone to talk to, especially at times of crisis.

What can an Australian Consul offer victims of sexual assault?

The consul can:

• Give support and assistance in reporting the crime to the police;
• Provide support and assistance in relation to the emotional, social, medical and legal consequences of that assault;
• Give assistance in contacting relatives or friends (relatives will not be contacted without the victim's consent);
• Provide a list of doctors and lawyers;
• Contact counselling services on your behalf if available locally, or in Australia;
• Provide a Traveller's Emergency Loan, if required;
• Give assistance in finding accommodation, arranging flights home and basic safety needs;
• Give extra assistance on approval from the Department.

A young Australian woman was attending a conference in a foreign city, and went shopping downtown for the afternoon. A young man approached her, greeting 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 - that was how the young man had known her name.

Important facts for victims of sexual assault

• In many countries, victims will not find the same level of support as in Australia. They should contact travelling companions, friends or family for additional support.
• Consular staff cannot make decisions for victims but, as they are aware of local conditions, they will be able to help to examine the options.
• Consular staff cannot force local authorities to act when they are unwilling to do so but can make representations to the authorities 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 can have access to the information held by the examining magistrate concerning the case.
• Depending on local regulations and work priorities, consular staff will 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 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 behaviours.

• Perpetrators are most commonly male and most often someone that the victim thought they could trust.
• Victims are mostly women and children, although men can also be victims of sexual violence.
• Victims of sexual assault are more likely 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.

If you have experienced sexual assault:
Sexual assault is not the victim's fault. Try not to blame yourself. The perpetrator is the only one responsible for the assault. No one ever deserves to be raped, no matter what the circumstance.

Remember that while everyone will react differently, your feelings are normal considering what you have been through.

After a traumatic experience, there may be 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.

Sexual assault is a crime and you have options through the police and legal systems. Find out the address of the local counselling service and the contact number for the counselling service in your state.

Find out before you go!!

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Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 24 Sep 2009