Lord Actonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What guidance they provide for British citizens travelling overseas on rape and sexual assault while abroad. [HL3616]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWhile most visits abroad are trouble-free, the FCO is becoming increasingly aware of people being raped while hey are overseas. In 2002, 129 cases of rape or sexual assaults were reported to British consular staff overseas. It is likely that many cases go unreported.
Rape and sexual assault can, and does, happen to people from all walks of life—women, men, young and old. It is a very traumatic experience in any circumstance. That trauma can often be made even more difficult to deal with when the rape happens abroad.
The FCO is committed to helping victims. We want them to come forward and seek assistance from the nearest British Consulate. Equally, we want to give advice to travellers before they go to help ensure their personal safety. The new FCO information leaflet on Rape and Sexual Assault Overseas was written in conjunction with NGOs and the police and aims to provide advice on personal safety for travellers, information for victims of rape and sexual assault and their families and useful contact information.
The launch of the information leaflet forms part of the "Know Before You Go" campaign which, working with travel industry partners, encourages travellers to be better prepared before travelling overseas. The FCO website www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo provides top tips for travel overseas including guidance on taking out travel insurance, country-specific travel advice information and checklists for specific groups such as backpackers and independent travellers, women travellers; those visiting friends and relatives overseas; and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travellers.
59WAI hope colleagues will join in disseminating the key messages of the campaign.