Guidance

Algeria: information for victims of rape and sexual assault

Updated 16 December 2025

If you’ve been sexually assaulted it’s important to remember that it was not your fault. Rape and sexual assault is always wrong – no matter who commits it or where it happens. It is traumatic and it can affect you both physically and emotionally. Do not be afraid to get help.

First steps

It is your choice about what you do next, but this information may help you in coming to a decision. The most important thing is to make sure that you are as safe as you can be. You can:

• call the emergency police number in Algeria on 1548 or 023162100
• contact your tour operator if you are travelling with one
• call the Algerian domestic abuse helpline 1026
• contact the British embassy in Algiers: phone +213 (0) 770 085 000. Embassy staff will be empathetic, and non-judgmental, and can provide information on local police and medical procedures. Anything you tell them will be treated in the strictest confidence. They can contact your family or friends for you if you wish

If you want to report the incident to the police in Algeria

Before you go to the police station

If you have a tour operator, they should be able to arrange for someone to support you. If you are in an area where there is a British embassy, they will try to send a consular officer to support you, where timing and location allow. You will always be able to speak to trained consular staff on the telephone 24/7.

If you approach the police directly, you can also ask them to inform the nearest British embassy on +213 (0) 770 085 000 and they can offer you consular support.

If you choose to report the crime, try to do so as soon as possible, so forensic evidence can be retained.

Washing yourself or your clothes may make it difficult for the police to obtain forensic evidence. If you change your clothes, take those you were wearing to the police. You may wish to preserve evidence by retaining items such as condoms, toothbrushes, or texts.

At the police station

Although police reports are not usually handed to the victim directly, the police should give you a reference number to follow up on the case at court. Police reports, known as Procès-Verbal or PV, in Algeria are normally made in Arabic.

You can ask the police if you wish to speak to a female officer. While this may not always be possible, it’s worth requesting. Consular staff will try to be there to support you if you wish.

While police officers in Algeria may not speak English, they will usually try to arrange for an interpreter to assist you. However, you may need to wait for one to become available. You can check our list of translators and Interpreters if you wish to bring your own interpreter.

You do not have to surrender your passport; however, the police may want to take copies for identification or record-keeping purposes.

In Algeria, criminal investigations are led by prosecutors rather than judges. If you choose to press charges, you will be expected to provide any information that may assist the police in their investigation, including a detailed statement describing the attacker(s).

You should instruct your own lawyer to represent you in court, as legal representation is not automatically provided. For assistance, you can refer to our list of English-speaking lawyers in Algeria.

The police may retain clothing or electronic devices that could serve as forensic evidence, and you will likely be taken to a local hospital for a forensic examination. In cases involving minors or individuals with mental or developmental disabilities, medical staff are required to notify the General Prosecutor, who will automatically initiate legal proceedings.

After making a statement

The police may take you to the scene or location of the suspected attacker to assist with identification. If a suspect is brought to the station, you may be asked to identify them. If you choose to press charges, the suspect will be presented to the general prosecutor, who determines the appropriate charges and whether the suspect remains in custody or is released pending trial. You may also be required to make a statement before the prosecutor, typically with a lawyer present if one has been appointed. Once formally appointed, your lawyer will have access to your case file.

If you do not want to report the incident to the police in Algeria

The British embassy will be able to help you. This includes:

• helping you to contact your insurance company and/or your family
• accompanying you to the local hospital/medical facility, where possible
• providing you with lists of medical facilities, English speaking lawyers and translators
• helping you with arrangements to travel back to the UK
• providing you with information on local support in the UK

You can also report the incident to your tour operator if you’re travelling with one. They may be able to help you, including accompanying you to the local hospital.

It is your choice on whether to report the crime.  If you don’t report it, your case may not be investigated.

Not reporting the crime should not have an impact on your ability to get medical attention.

The medical examination: what to expect

A medical examination is usually free of charge if ordered by the police. This has to be conducted in a government hospital. If you decide you want a medical examination in a private hospital instead, the private hospital will not be able to assist with providing evidence for a prosecution, as only a government hospital can do this.

If you’re female, you will typically be examined by a gynaecologist; males are usually seen by a urologist. If you prefer to be seen by a female gynaecologist, you should inform the medical staff, who will accommodate your request if a female doctor is available. Medical professionals can assess any physical injuries and provide advice on pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. If you do not wish to report the incident to the police, let the hospital staff know upon arrival. They will respect your decision, as they are not obligated to inform the police, though they are required to notify the hospital administration. For victims under 19 or adults with mental or developmental disabilities, medical staff are legally required to report the case to the General Prosecutor, who will initiate proceedings on their behalf. Unlike adults, minors are examined by paediatricians.

If you want someone to accompany you to the hospital, you can contact the embassy or your tour operator to ask for this.

Treatment

PEP medication needs to be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective. The NHS may be able to commence or continue the 28 day treatment when you return to the UK

Emergency contraception needs to be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective. Emergency contraceptive pills can be difficult to find in Algeria. You need to consult a gynaecologist on where to get these in nearby pharmacies.

Foreigners can access services at all government hospitals, where a nominal fee is usually charged. Payments in private hospitals are accepted only in cash or via local bank cards, so be sure to carry cash. If you have valid travel insurance that could cover the expenses, you should contact your insurance company for advice on what clinics you can go to. Keep in mind that private clinics will not be able to assist with providing evidence for a prosecution.

If you have had medication administered abroad, you should keep the label or make a note of the name of the medication. You can then give it to your local health provider when you return home.

If you want to report the incident to the police in the UK

The support available to you, and your access to justice may depend on where you report the crime.

In many countries, you need to report the crime before you leave the country, if you want it to be investigated and police to obtain important evidence.

If you are staying in Algeria and the crime took place there, you should report the crime there. If you are a British national and you need help to report the crime, you can contact the nearest British embassy or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London

If you do not report the crime in Algeria and you return to the UK, you can still report the matter to your local UK police.

The UK police should send the information you provide to the police in Algeria. However, foreign police forces decide whether to investigate a crime in their jurisdiction and they may not take action.

You can report the crime to the UK police even if you are not seeking an investigation abroad. The UK police can offer you access to victim support in the UK. They may still send some details of the crime to police in Algeria. This might be necessary in order to protect vulnerable people, or to stop more crimes being committed.

Court procedures: what to expect

If a suspect is ordered to trial, you will be expected to testify in court. This cannot be done remotely, so you will need to travel to Algeria if you have left the country. The Algerian authorities do not arrange or cover travel or accommodation expenses.

If you do not have a lawyer, you are not automatically kept informed about the progress of your case. All updates must be requested directly from the court, either in person or through a legal representative. Hiring a lawyer can be beneficial, as they can keep you informed, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal procedures. You will need to appoint and pay for the lawyer yourself.

If the case is referred for further investigation, you may be asked to provide an additional statement, depending on the circumstances.

If you decide to drop your charges, you can retract your statement. However, Algerian legal proceedings often involve both civil and public actions. This means that even if you drop your charges (the civil complaint), the public prosecutor may still choose to pursue the case independently. In cases involving rape, the state may continue prosecution regardless of the victim’s wishes, especially if the victim is a minor or has a mental disability.

The accused may file counter charges for false accusations. If they wait until after being acquitted, it may strengthen their case. Such counterclaims can lead to legal consequences for the accuser if proven to be malicious or unfounded.

Support organisations in Algeria

It is your choice to let people know. If you are ready to talk about it, these organisations may be able to help you.

Ministry of Solidarity, Women’s Issues and Family

The ministry provides a support helpline (1026) for women facing any type of violence; including rape and sexual assault. Women can contact this number to report the incident, get psychological support, social and legal advice. They can also get information on medical services and could be signposted to Algerian police in severe cases.

Wassila network

The Wassila network is a coalition of Algerian associations whose objective is to participate in better care and guidance for women and child victims of all types of violence including rape and sexual assault.

Telephone: 00213 560 100 105/ 00213 770 286 529

Email: ecoute.reseauwassila@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReseauWassila/

El Hayet des PVIH

El Hayet des PVIH is a non-governmental organisation that offers support to people living with HIV. They also provide testing kits and advice on how to get treatment in Algeria.

Telephone: 00213 44 180 536

Email: contact@aidsalgerie.org

Website: https://www.aidsalgerie.org

The Directorate of Social and Solidarity action

The Directorate of Social and Solidarity action serves as Algeria’s governmental equivalent of social services, providing essential support and protection for women and children across the country.

Telephone: 00 213 23 57 93 92 / 00213 23 57 93 91

When you return to the UK

If you believe you may be at risk of having contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you should ask your local health provider to test you.  You should do this even if you have been tested in the country where the assault took place.

You may want to let your GP, or a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) know what has happened to you so that you can talk about the experience and seek further support and advice where you live.

Location	Service
England	NHS Choices website
Scotland	https://archwayglasgow.scot/ or phone 0141 211
Wales	New Pathways SARC or phone 01685 379 310
	Ynys Saff Sexual Assault Referral Centre - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Northern Ireland	Rowan SARC Northern Ireland, or phone 0800 389 4424

Disclaimer

This information has been prepared by UK Government officials who are not legally or medically trained. It should therefore never be used as a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. It is intended to help British nationals overseas make their own informed decisions. Neither the UK Government nor any official of the Embassy accept liability for any loss or damage which you might suffer as a result of relying on the information supplied.

Medical information has been provided by The Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centres of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and was accurate at the time of production (2 February 2022).