99TravelSafe.com
36 - Averting Rape and Assault While Traveling
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
IF you are assaulted tell the local police as soon as possible and insist on a police report (needed for any insurance and/or compensation claim).
Inform your embassy or consulate.
It is easy to let your guard slip when you are on holiday. Try to be as careful as you would be at home.
Plan your itinerary so you know where you are going and what you are doing.
Try to avoid looking lost or confused.
Be wary of new ‘friends’. Don’t tell strangers where you are staying or give out too many details about your travel plans.
Always keep some money for phone calls and a taxi journey home from your destination separate from the spending money you take out with you.
Consider taking your mobile phone with you or renting one at your destination.
Try to avoid potentially risky situations. When going to a pub, club or party, try to avoid going alone. Friends can watch out for each other.
Be aware of other holidaymakers and new friends you have made. People are often raped or sexually assaulted by someone they know, even if they don’t know them very well.
In Hotels
--Never leave your key where someone can note your room number.
--Do not leave your window open, especially if your room is on the ground floor or has a balcony.
--Remember to lock your room door whether you are inside the room or outside.
--Use a door wedge on the inside of your hotel room door for extra security.
--Never open your room door to anyone without checking with reception first that they are genuine.
While Outside
--Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
--Make sure you know the address and phone number of where you are staying and how to get back.
--Stay aware of what is going on around you and keep away from situations where you do not feel comfortable.
--Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.
--If you are going to drink alcohol, know your limit.
--If you are out as part of a group, look out for one another. This will help you feel, and be, more confident and safe.
--Be cautious of people who ignore your personal space, do not listen to you, make you feel guilty if you resist their advances or appear to be very drunk.
--Consider very carefully whether you should leave the pub, club or party with someone you have just met.
Drinks
--Be aware that drugs are sometimes used in rape. They are normally colorless and tasteless, and can make you virtually unconscious and defenseless. Once someone has added drugs to your drink, you will not normally be able to detect them.
--Never accept drinks from strangers or from anyone you do not completely trust.
--Do not share or exchange drinks.
--Try to keep your drink with you at all times.
--Be aware that rape drugs can also work in non-alcoholic drinks, such as coffee and tea.
--Nominate someone to watch your drinks, especially if you are leaving the group you are with to go to the toilet.
--Be aware of how much you have had to drink. Alcohol is the most frequently used drug in drug-assisted rape.
In a taxi or minicab (Please also tips #22)
--Never accept a lift from an unlicensed taxi, a stranger or someone you do not completely trust.
--Try to share a cab with a friend.
--Always take registered taxis that are licensed by the police or local authorities and have identity numbers.
--Hotels are normally willing to call you a cab or can provide details of a trustworthy taxi or minicab company.
--Do not flag down a minicab on the street. Always carry the phone number of a taxi or minicab company and book a cab over the phone.
--When you phone, ask for the driver's name and the make and color of the car
--Give the operator a name (it doesn’t have to be your real name), and when the cab arrives ask the driver their name and company, and ask the name of the person they are expecting to collect.
--If you're calling a taxi from a public place, try not to let people overhear your name or details of where you are staying.
--Always sit in the back of the car, and if you chat to the driver do not give them any personal details.
If you are getting into trouble…
--Stay calm, and try to be firm and direct.
--Remember that you always have the right to say ‘no’ at any point. Never feel that you have to go further than you feel comfortable with.
--If you feel pressured, get out of the situation. Don’t assume that it won’t happen to you. Get away from the person you are with and go to a safe place.
--If you feel uncomfortable or in danger, do not be afraid to draw attention to yourself. Shout, make a fuss and make people aware that you feel threatened.
--Consider beforehand what you might shout to attract the attention of other people.
--If you are in a vehicle and you feel threatened, firmly ask the driver to stop and try to get out in a busy public place.
--If the driver refuses to stop, try alerting other drivers by shouting or waving out of the window.
If you think you’ve been drugged
--Trust your instincts - instincts are there to warn you of danger.
--If you begin to feel strange, sick or drunk after only a couple of drinks, or you have not drunk alcohol, someone could have put a drug in your drink.
--Tell a friend. They should take you to a safe place, such as your hotel room.
--Consider getting medical attention. Drugs can affect people in different ways, and may react badly with any medication you are taking.
--Ask your friend to stay with you until the effects of the drug have fully worn off - probably the following morning.
--Be very sure that you fully trust the person or friend you are asking to help you, no matter how long you have known them. Many victims are sexually assaulted by people they know.
--If you are alone, or with a stranger, get help from the police, or your Consulate. It is important to get to a safe place. If possible, ask someone to contact a trusted friend.
--You must never let a stranger take you anywhere.
--Try to avoid giving out your personal details, including where you are staying or your room number.