Guidance

Dominica: information for victims of rape and sexual assault

Updated 5 January 2026

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.

This information is provided to help British Nationals overseas make informed decisions about whether and how to:

• seek medical advice and attention
• report to local police and social services
• engage with foreign legal authorities following a rape or other form of sexual assault overseas

For information on support available in the UK, see rape and sexual assault: returning to the UK.

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:

• contact the Police emergency numbers: 911, 999 or telecoms +1 (767) 266 5100.
• contact your tour operator/agent if you are travelling with one
• contact the British High Commission on +1 (246) 430 7800. 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 or social services in Dominica

Reporting the matter to the Department of Social Services

If you want to contact Social Services, you can call the Director of Social Services on +1(767)-266 3080/3019. 

The Director could contact the police on your behalf.  Additionally, based on what emanates from the discussion and available resources, certain levels of relief could be provided.  In the event that you have a child in your custody who is in need of care and protection within the meaning of local law, steps could be taken by the Department to seek a court order.

Reporting the matter to the police

There is no risk for you in reporting the crime to the nearest local 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 or Consulate, 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 British High Commission on +1 246 430 7800 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, it is advisable that you take clothes you were wearing to the police. You may want to preserve evidence by retaining items such as condoms, toothbrushes, pictures, voice notes, or texts.

The police are there to help you. You should give them as much detail as you can remember, such as:

• where you were
• who was there
• what you were wearing
• what the perpetrator was wearing.
• date and time
• what was said by the perpetrator (if applicable)
• who you spoke to about the crime before reporting to the authorities

If some details are unclear, or you do not remember, you can say that to the police.

Tell the police if you think you have been drugged. Ask for a copy of the police report to include your statement and other relevant documents. The report will be in English and should there be a request for translation into any other language there may be a cost.

You can speak to either male or female police officers. The local police lead investigations. Police will collect physical and testimonial evidence, which may include:

• the clothing worn during the crime
• medical examination form/medical report
• a detailed account of the incident
• pictures of the scene and or injuries if applicable

The police will keep any clothing and physical evidence which could be used as evidence.

The local police may assist you to report the assault to the British High Commission. When the British High Commission is notified, a consular officer will try and contact you as soon as possible. You can also contact us.

You will not need to hand over your passport during the investigation.

You do not need a lawyer. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) will investigate the matter and the National Prosecution Service (NPS) conducts the prosecution. However, if you want to speak to a lawyer for independent legal advice, you can Find a lawyer abroad

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

The British High Commission will be able to help you. This includes helping you to contact your insurance company, your family, making arrangements to travel back to the UK and/or provide you with information on local support in the UK.

They can provide you with lists of English-speaking medical facilities, lawyers and translators.

If you are travelling with one, you can report the incident to your tour operator/agent and ask them for assistance. If you want:

1. the tour operator may accompany you to the local hospital
2. depending on location and timing, a member of consular staff may be able to accompany you

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

You do not have to report the crime in country, however, the local police recommend you report the crime in country to preserve the best evidence possible. It may also be difficult for local police to investigate the crime if not reported whilst in country.

If you do not report the crime, you are still able to seek medical attention from either public or private medical facilities.

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

The support available to you, and your access to justice may vary according to 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.

On your return 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 the police in Dominica.  This might be necessary in order to protect vulnerable people, or to stop more crimes being committed. Please note it is for foreign police forces to decide whether to investigate a crime in their jurisdiction and they may not take action.

The medical examination: what to expect

When the crime is reported to the police, local tour operators / police will accompany you to the hospital.  The consular section at the British High Commission can arrange for a representative to see you at your earliest convenience with your consent. If you have not sought medical attention and would like to do so, we can help make arrangements. We can also contact friends and family on your behalf and any organisations that may be able to provide assistance.

Once the crime is reported to the police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) an investigating officer is assigned. The medical examination is conducted at the health centre/hospital located in the area where the offence took place. Please note that you may also be referred to one of the main hospitals.

If you go directly to the public hospital, the hospital is mandated to report any crime reported to them.

The District Medical Officer located in the area in which the incident occurred will carry out the examination if at a district clinic. At a hospital it will be done initially by the Doctor on shift or call. A physical examination will be conducted, lab and blood samples taken and a Rape Kit (steps 1 to 14) along with any other necessary examination as determined by the medical practitioner. Photographs are generally taken of the scene of the crime and or any injuries you might have sustained during the incident. The attending physician will probably appear as an expert witness if the case goes to trial.

Treatment

You will either be processed at the accident and emergency department of the hospital or at the district clinic, depending on where you were referred to. Once admitted, you will see an obstetrician and gynaecologist consultant, who will then advise on any treatments or medication to be prescribed.

HIV PEP medication (‘Post-exposure prophylaxis’, a treatment that can prevent HIV infection) is available locally. A prescription can be written for any medication that may have to be taken over a longer course of time after assessment.

HIV PEP medication must be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective. The NHS may be able to begin or continue the 28 day treatment on return to the UK.

You can access emergency contraception at either the hospital or at the clinic where you have been referred to. You will be expected to pay for any prescription which you may receive after treatment but a prescription is not an immediate requirement.

Emergency contraception needs to be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective.

You or your insurers, if you have insurance, are responsible for meeting the cost of hospital treatment and any tests.

If you have had medication administered in Dominica, you should keep the label or make a note of the name of the medication, so that you can inform your local health provider when you returnhome.

Police investigation in Dominica: what to expect

You will not be asked to identify the suspect in an ID parade if you are already able to identify the suspect. You will be asked to identify the suspect through an ID parade if you are unsure of who the suspect is. Your identity will be protected throughout the process.

 Once identification has taken place, the police will take you back to the scene of the crime. The suspect will also be present. Please note that if you decide not to go to the crime scene, this may weaken the case.

If a suspect is arrested and charged the suspect will be taken before the Magistrates Court, where the charge will be read and a first date given.  Depending on when/if you have to leave Dominica before the next court date then you will be responsible for making arrangements to receive updates on future court dates through your tour operator, solicitor or someone acting on your behalf.

You will need to give evidence in court once the trial has started. The lawyers cannot do this. Your lawyers have access to the victim/case notes at this stage, however, all requests for notes are made through the Director of Public Prosecutions.

If you have to leave Dominica ensure that you have given your statements and the case has been filed prior to your departure.

Court procedures: what to expect

You will need to testify in court during the trial. If you have left Dominica, you will need to return to the country to give your testimony.

You’re entitled to be kept up to date about your case. You can ask for updates through the British High Commission or local police. Hiring a lawyer can protect your legal interests within the justice system, but you do not need to have one.

When you have given your statement once complete there maybe no need to give an additional statement.

You can drop charges after they have been filed without any legal consequences, although you can be cited for wasting police time. The charge of rape is not automatically prosecuted by the state. The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) can also drop the charges depending on the evidence presented.

The perpetrator cannot press counter charges.

Trial procedures

There is no set time to determine when a trial will be started, however you are likely to be informed once a date has been set for hearing. On the first appearance of the accused at court a date for trial will be given. It may be a few months from the date of that appearance. The trial will be conducted in English.

You must attend the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at the Magistrates Court to give your evidence and also if the accused is committed to the High Court for trial. If the matter is being done by Paper Committal at the Magistrate’s Court your attendance will most likely be required for cross examination by the accused or defence council.

If you are required to travel to attend the High Court trial in person from where you live, the Dominican authorities may assist with travel and accommodation arrangements but no other support would be provided.

It can take approximately 6 months to 2 years for a case to complete trial. The trial length is dependent on multiple factors, one of which could involve the accused. If there is a point of law or an occurrence during the trial the accused may have the right to appeal. There are two appellant levels to which the accused could be heard.

Legal aid

Legal aid is not available for victims as a lawyer is not required.

Communication

You can contact The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office or the Magistrates Court for information on your case at different stages of the proceedings, such as to inform of trial dates and to arrange for testimony. They may also contact you.

If you are not in Dominica you should keep in touch with the Director of Public Prosecution’s office. The Consular Section at the British High Commission can also follow up on your behalf to provide updates.

Sentencing

The perpetrator in this type of crime would be guilty of a ‘crime against the person’.

Sentences for this type of crime are weighted in favour of punishment. Judges can sentence the perpetrator to go to prison. The maximum sentence is 14 years, if they are found guilty.

If the alleged perpetrator is found not guilty, they are released.

Compensation

The courts cannot order the offender to pay compensation in the criminal court, however, civil court has the ability to do so once the case has been tried in the criminal court.

There is no state-funded compensation scheme for persons who have suffered injury as a result of a sexual or violent crime.

If during the assault, there were items that were taken/stolen then the perpetrator can be made to provide restitution to the victim.

When you return to the UK

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

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 that the assault took place.

England

Get help and advice on the NHS website: Help after rape and sexual assault - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Scotland

[Rape Crisis Scotland

Working to end sexual violence](https://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/)

Freephone: 08088 01 03 02 (5pm to midnight)

General enquires: 0141 331 4180 (9am to 4pm)

Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

Wales

New Pathways SARC: phone 01685 379 310

New Pathways homepage

Ynys Saff Sexual Assault Referral Centre - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Northern Ireland

Rowan SARC Northern Ireland: phone 0800 389 4424

The Rowan (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) - Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Support organisations in Dominica

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 Health, Wellness & Social Services
19-21 King George V Street, Roseau, Dominica
Tel: +1 (767) 266 3080/3019
Email: dss@dominica.gov.dm
Website: https://www.dominica.gov.dm

Life line Ministries
C/O Mrs Tine Alexander
Tel: +1 (767) 235 8367
Helpline: +1 (767) 317 3030 (WhatsApp out of hours)

Bureau of Gender Affairs
Independence St. Roseau, Dominica
Tel: +1 767 266 3344
Mondays 8am - 5pm, Tuesdays - Fridays 8am - 4pm

Counselling services, Support to communities and community organisations. Service in English.

Disclaimer

This information is provided by the British Government for the convenience of enquirers, but neither His Majesty’s Government nor any official of the consulate accept liability for any loss or damage which you might suffer as a result of relying on the information supplied. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or legal advice.

Medical information has been provided by The Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centres of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Rowan SARC NI and was accurate at the time of production.