Guidance

Guyana: information for victims of rape and sexual assault

Published 15 September 2023

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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:

  • contact the international emergency number on 911
  • contact your tour operator if you are travelling with one
  • contact the British High Commission Georgetown on +1 (592) 2265881

The High Commission 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 Guyana

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 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 nearest British consulate on +1 (592) 2265881 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, think about taking 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

You should be aware that sexual activity between people of the same sex is illegal in Guyana. The use of drugs such as cocaine and heroin is unlawful.

Tell the police if you think you have been drugged.

If you are female, a female police officer will be present. The investigations are done by the Guyana police force and the findings are forwarded to Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The DPP will either give legal advice to charge, or not to charge, if they are satisfied that a thorough investigation has been done. Otherwise, the file is sent back to the Guyana Police Force for additional investigation with specific instructions, eg. medical examination needed. After it is completed, the file is sent back to DPP for further legal advice. If charges are being levied, you will be assigned a state prosecutor.

You will need to give a detailed statement of the assault. This may include providing a description of the perpetrator, date, time, place, lighting conditions, whether other persons were present, presence of witnesses and whether any protection was used. You will be asked to complete a medical examination, provide clothing and any other items that were on you and attend an identification parade.

Ask for a copy of the police report.

A member of the consular team can accompany you to the police station to provide support. With your permission a member of the team can speak with the police about any concerns you may have. 

You will not need to give up your passport while the investigation is being carried out.

The police will keep any clothes or electronic equipment, which may be evidence of your attack to present to a forensic examiner.

The police will take you to the local hospital for a forensic examination. All local hospitals are easily accessible.

The local police in Guyana will not routinely inform UK police or ask them to undertake police checks on you but, if you cannot be contacted at the address or telephone number you provided to the local police and prosecuting authority, they will ask the UK to undertake police checks.

After making a statement

The police will take you to the crime scene and you may be asked to identify a suspect in an Identification Parade.

If the police make an arrest, and a charge is recommended, the perpetrator can be prosecuted within 3 days. There is a paper committal (PC) at the Magistrates Court (Lower Court) and if at the end of the PC, sufficient evidence is deduced, then there will be a trial in the High Court 1 to 2 years later.

You must attend the High Court Trial before judge and jury in the Sexual Offences Court. State prosecutors appear on behalf of you and will brief you before matters commence in the courts.

You will be allowed to leave the country after the case is file. You should provide your forwarding address and contact details to the authorities.

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

The British High Commission 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 English-speaking medical facilities, 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.

If you do not report the crime, you can still get medical attention. In the case of a minor however, the examining doctor will notify the police, especially in cases where the rape and sexual assault has resulted in pregnancy.

The medical examination: what to expect

All hospitals will examine you after the referral comes from the police.

If you go to the hospital by yourself, or without a referral, the Guyana social work department and Guyana Police force will be contacted and must be present during the examination. The hospitals will automatically report the results of any examination to the police.

A registered doctor, gynaecologist or paediatrician that is fully registered by the medical council in Guyana carries out the examination. Based on your gender, an additional medical staff member, of that gender, will be present.

The examination includes a physical examination of the external and internal areas of the body. A sexual assault forensic evidence kit is used for sexual assaults reported within 72 hours.

Generally, photographs are not taken during the examination. However, if the police request photos to assist with the investigation, you will need to give your consent before this is done.

Males and females are treated with the same level of privacy and respect. Due the difference in male and female body parts, the physical examinations will vary in this regard.

Where possible a member of the British High Commission can accompany you to the hospital. Local tour operators may also be able to assist.

Treatment

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available in Guyana and hospital medical staff can give advice on its use. HIV PEP medication is medically prescribed and can be accessed free at any government operated or ‘partnered’ pharmacy. The pharmaceutical staff will give instructions on how to use the medication and the instructions are included when the medication is issued.

HIV 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 is sold over the counter in Guyana. There is no need for a referral or prescription to purchase these items at any local pharmacy.

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

Emergency care for rape and sexual assault is free at any government hospital. If you prefer to be seen at a private facility, you will need to cover all costs associated with the visit and treatment.

If you have had medication administered overseas, you should keep the label or make a note of the name of the medication, so that you let your local health provider know when you return to the UK.

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 Guyana and the crime took place there, you should report the crime in that country. If you are a British national and you need help to report the crime, you can contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London.

If you do not report the crime in Guyana 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 Guyana. 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 Guyana. This might be necessary in order to protect vulnerable people, or to stop more crimes being committed.

Court procedures in Guyana: what to expect

If a suspect is ordered to trial, you will be expected to testify at the High Court. You can return to Guyana or testify from the UK by audio-visual link.

If you do not have a private lawyer, you are still able to contact state prosecutors for updates on their matter. Hiring a lawyer privately does not necessarily provide additional benefits, since state prosecutors are lawyers.

If the case is referred to further investigation, you may need to give an additional statement for verification or clarity. You can drop charges after they are filed, without repercussions.

There is no automatic state prosecution of the crime. If it is in your best interest, and it is what you wish, the matter will be withdrawn. The alleged assailant cannot press counter charges claiming false accusations.

The courts can order the offender to pay compensation for any injuries or losses, either after they have been convicted in a criminal court or because of civil action. But this is not usually ordered by the court.

Taking your case to trial

All statements are filed by the investigating police. You can follow up on progress through the DPP’s Office by emailing chambers@dpp.gy

Trial procedures

You will be notified when the case is ready to be prosecuted in the High Court. The trial will be conducted in English. If you speak a foreign language, an interpreter will be provided.

You do not need to be present at every court session. You only need to attend the session(s) where you have to testify. If the accused is found guilty and convicted, you will need to give a victim impact statement. You can also testify from the UK by audio-visual link.

If you do have to attend a trial abroad, the authorities in Guyana will not assist with travel and accommodation arrangements. The state only refunds local travel costs since testimony from a foreign country is an option. If you are attending court in person, a Court Support Officer will be present throughout the trial.

It takes approximately 1 to 2 years for a case to come to trial. Rape and sexual assault trials usually last 1 week. It takes 2 weeks after a guilty verdict for the final sentence to be passed. The defendant has the right to appeal twice. Appeals are heard in the Guyana Court of Appeal and may go to the final Court of Appeal which is the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Hiring a lawyer

A privately-hired lawyer can provide you with legal advice. However, to the best of our knowledge there are none who specialise in rape and sexual assault cases.

Find a lawyer or translator in Guyana.

Communication

The consular team, the police investigator, the state prosecutors and the court support officer will communicate with you at various stages. When the report is made, the police and Consular team are notified and they will make contact. The state prosecutors and Court support officer will communicate at the stages of the paper committal and the High Court trial.

If you are not resident in Guyana, you should provide an email address or telephone number so you can be contacted.

If you do not want to appoint a lawyer, you are free to contact the DPP’s Office and the State Prosecutor to obtain updates.

You are not entitled to legal aid because you will be represented by a state prosecutor.

If you do hire a private lawyer, they will charge for services before the case goes to court. However, there is no mandatory need for a privately-hired lawyer since a state prosecutor will be assigned to the case.

Sentencing

Sentences are weighted in favour of punishment or, in the case of juvenile offenders, rehabilitation.

The perpetrator would be guilty of ‘crime against the person’. Judges are able to pass down life sentences.

If the alleged perpetrator is found not guilty, they are acquitted and you will be offered psychological counselling.

Compensation

The courts can order the offender to pay compensation for any injuries or losses, either after they have been convicted in a criminal court or as a result of civil action. However, this is not usually the case.

There is no state-funded compensation scheme to cover physical or psychological injuries suffered as a result of a sexual or violent crime.

When you return to the UK

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.

There are many rape crisis centres throughout the UK that can help provide support and advice if you have suffered from a sexual assault abroad. They provide differing services and referral routes. You can find the contact details of your nearest centre on the websites of the umbrella organisations listed below. Alternatively, you can call their national helplines. They also provide support and information to family and friends of sexual violence survivors.

Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis Centre

Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis Centre is a support service for women and girls aged 13 and over who have been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused at some point in their lifetime. Live Online Support gives British survivors of sexual violence access to UK-based support from anywhere in the world, on Skype, FaceTime, Instant Messenger and email. More information including the times Live Online support is on their website.

Rape Crisis England and Wales

Rape Crisis Scotland

Nexus Northern Ireland

Survivors UK

Survivors UK supports and provides resources for men who have experienced any form of sexual violence. Their national webchat service for men and their families, partners and friends is open 7 days a week and can be accessed on their website.

National Male Survivor Helpline and Online Service

The National Male Survivor Helpline is a confidential helpline for male victims of sexual violence and abuse. They also provide emotional support via telephone, SMS (text), live chat and email.

National Male Survivor Helpline: 0808 800 5005

Text: 07860 065187

Webchat on our website www.safeline.org.uk

Email: support@safeline.org.uk

Website: www.safeline.org.uk

GALOP

Galop supports LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called ‘conversion therapies’, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse.

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way, about whatever’s getting to you. They listen to you and help you talk through your concerns, worries and troubles, helping you think more clearly about your options.

Disclaimer

This information has been prepared by HM 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 HM 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.

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 (February 2022).

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