smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
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.
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 or 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.
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 prophelaxis 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.
The consul can:
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.
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.
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!!