Report shows rise in rapes and sexual assaults of Brits abroad
The number of Brits who were raped and sexual assaulted while overseas increased by 10% in 2012/13, compared to the previous 12 months.
According to the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 138 Britons reported they had been raped abroad in 2012/2013, up from 127 in 2011/2012.
Meanwhile, there were 172 reported sexual assaults, up from 154 in the previous period.
The largest number of cases of rape and sexual assault were in Spain, Turkey and Greece – destinations popular with young Brits for their busy nightlife.
"I am deeply concerned to see an increase in the number of reported rape and sexual assault cases involving British people," said Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister Mark Simmonds.
"The priority for our consular staff is the safety and wellbeing of British travellers and we will continue to work, including with other Governments and tour operators, to help to prevent further cases and provide all possible support for victims.
"This support includes explaining local procedures, accompanying people to the police station, helping them deal with local authorities and medical staff and contacting friends and family at home if that is wanted."
The official figures released in the annual British Behaviour Abroad Report 2013 showed that consular staff gave assistance to more than 19,000 Brits in need in 2012/13.
Overall total assistance figures showed a slight drop of 3%, but some countries saw big increases in more serious types of cases, such as arrests and hospitalizations.
These countries included India, United Arab Emirates and the Philippines.
But thanks to local initiatives by consular staff, police and hospital authorities, the popular destination of Spain has seen a significant decrease in arrests, detentions and hospitalisation cases.
The report also found:
– Thailand has seen a significant increase in hospitalisations (31%) and deaths (31%), despite fewer cases worldwide.
– Road traffic accidents, many involving young people on mopeds, and an ageing expat population are both factors attributed to the increase in cases
– Alcohol continues to be a major factor in cases involving young people visiting the Balearics, Turkey and Greek islands
– Although drug arrests have gone down, drugs remain a problem for many countries, including Jamaica, France and Portugal
– Despite the significant drop in general arrest and detention cases, countries including Canada, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates have seen an increase in cases.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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