Rape and sexual assault can happen to women and men of all ages and backgrounds. Many people who have been raped or sexually assaulted know their attacker. However, some do not. While most visits abroad are troublefree, we are becoming more aware of people being raped while they are overseas. Rape is a very traumatic experience whenever and wherever it happens, but the trauma can often be made even more difficult to deal with when the rape happens abroad. We aim to be as helpful as we properly can to anyone who tells us they have had sex against heir wishes or been attacked by someone wanting sex.

Check the travel information the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) publishes for the country you are travelling to  either on-line at www.fco.gov.uk/travel, or by phoning 0845 850 2829. The world is an unpredictable place and you need to know about risks to your personal safety and security, and what areas to avoid. We update our travel website regularly (see note 1 below).

• Think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts. It is easy to let your guard slip when you are on holiday. Try to be as careful as you would be at home.

• 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.

• Act confidently. Plan your itinerary so you know where you are going and what you are doing. Try to avoid looking lost or confused.

• 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. Don’t tell strangers where you are staying or give out too many details about your travel plans.