Tajikistan: information for victims of rape and sexual assault
Published 15 December 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.
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
- 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 emergency number on 103 (public ambulance) or 102 (police). 1313 is a helpline aimed at underage victims of sexual violence and has trained psychologists available who can offer support in Russian or Tajik. They will then report about the incident to the local police
- contact your tour operator if you are travelling with one
- contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate
- contact the British Embassy Dushanbe. Our telephone number is +992 44 6109922. Embassy staff will be polite, patient, sensitive 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
Further information on British Embassy Dushanbe can be found on our website:
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-dushanbe
If you want to report the incident to the police in Tajikistan
If you have a tour operator, they should be able to arrange for someone to support you. If you do not have a tour operator and you are in an area where there is a British embassy or consulate, they will try to send a consular officer to support you.
You don’t have to report the rape or sexual assault to the police. However, if you would like it to be investigated, you will need to report it to nearest police station. The duty officer must accept report of crime 24/7 regardless of where the crime took place and when.
If you approach the police directly, you can also ask them to inform the nearest British Embassy. Most police officers speak Tajik only. If you don’t speak Tajik or Russian, you need to be accompanied by anyone you know who speaks English or by an interpreter.
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.
Tell the police if you think you have been drugged.
Insist you get a police report, and request a translation in English if applicable.
Reporting crimes to the police in Tajikistan can be a complex and time-consuming process. Local officers may not have specific training in supporting victims of sexual assault and although in general victims reported that investigators were sensitive and sympathetic some questions may infringe on the dignity of victims. The case is cascaded to the several areal departments; therefore you will have to make a statement several times and sometimes visit the incident cite together with the police officer.
Rape and sexual assault are both criminal offences in Tajikistan, but conviction rates remains very low and judicial proceedings are likely to be protracted. It is very likely that you will be asked to testify in front of third parties and there is no confidentiality.
Homosexuality is not a crime but may be perceived negatively.
Clothes that you were wearing will be forwarded to the forensic examination. The result of examination will be reflected in a separate protocol and photo evidence will be taken.
If you would like a member of the British Embassy consular team can accompany you to the police station. However, we cannot provide interpretation and will not be allowed to stay with you during a police interview. The British Embassy in Dushanbe can provide you with a list of local interpreters.
The passport will remain with the holder but all the passport details, passport photocopy and immigration details will be obtained by the police.
If you do not want to report the incident to the police in Tajikistan
The British embassy will be able to help you. This includes helping you make arrangements to contact your insurance company, your family, 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 and ask them for assistance. Where possible and if you wish, the tour operator may accompany you to the local hospital. Most likely they will automatically report the incident to the local police.
It is your choice on whether to report the crime, but if you don’t report it, your case may not be investigated if there is a lack of forensic evidence.
You have to report the crime in Tajikistan for it to be investigated.
Even if you do not report the crime, you are still able to get medical attention. You should go to the nearest hospital, a local doctor or gynaecologist, but you will not be entitled to a forensic examination. You would be asked by the doctor whether or not you wish to report the crime.
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.
If you are staying in the country where the crime took place, 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 the country where it happened 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 country where the crime happened. However, it is for foreign police forces to 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 the country where it happened. This might be necessary in order to protect vulnerable people, or to stop more crimes being committed.
Reporting the crime in Tajikistan: what happens next.
You will be allowed to make a full statement to the police including describing the events and the attackers. However not all the police station will have private rooms for making a statement. Generally, interviews will take place in the office. It is very likely that you will be asked to testify in front of third parties. The case is cascaded to several areal departments, therefore you will have to make a statement several times and sometimes visit the incident cite together with the police officers.
All your clothes you had at the time of attack will be kept by the police as an evidence and will be send for a forensic expertise.
You will be sent to the local hospital or Republican centre of forensic examination if you haven’t sought medical assistance in the first instance. The results of examination will be reflected in a separate protocol and photo evidence of the face and body injuries will be taken.
Also you have to visit the Republican HIV centre to obtain an HIV test certificate.
The Tajik police will not normally inform the UK police about the assault, and they will not usually undertake police checks on you as the victim.
The medical examination: what to expect
Hospitals in Tajikistan tend to specialise in specific areas of health. However, they are generally able to refer patients to facilities with relevant specialists.
Some medical practices will automatically pass details of people they believe to be victims of rape or sexual assault to the police. The British Embassy Dushanbe can talk to local healthcare providers on your behalf to check a clinics policy in this matter.
There are clinics in Dushanbe, which can offer medical support including external injuries examination, gynaecological examination with swaps and STDs. Photos of severe external injuries will be taken for investigative purposes if the case is reported to the local police.
If you are in Dushanbe and would like one of our consular team can accompany you to the hospital or medical centre. In the interests of patient confidentiality, we will wait in reception during your medical examination. If you are travelling with a local tour operator, they may also be able to accompany you but this is not guaranteed.
Treatment
Hospital medical staff will be able to advise on HIV PEP medication. PEP medication (Post exposure prophylaxis is a treatment that can prevent HIV) is available in Dushanbe. The doctors will provide PEP prescription and a medical referral to the Republican HIV centre for the further check. The HIV Centre provides PEP free of charge but the patient will have to meet the cost for the testing.
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 on return to the UK. More information on risks is available on the NHS website
Emergency contraception is available in pharmacy shops in Dushanbe but you will require a prescription and it is not free.
Emergency contraception need to be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective.
Abortion is available in Tajikistan for a gestational period up to 12 weeks , with no additional medical justification required. This period can be extended if there are medical complications.
Hospital treatment and tests are generally paid in cash in local currency.
If you have had medication administered overseas, you may wish to 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 home.
Police investigations in Tajikistan: what to expect
The police will take care the victim to the scene of the crime to get more details on the incident, however they will not take the victim to a location where the victim thinks the attacker is located to try and identify the person. However, suspects and victims may be interviewed simultaneously by the police so there is a risk of victims and suspects meeting in corridors or waiting areas of the building.
You may be asked to identify a suspect at the police station. Many police stations do not have 2-way mirrors installed so it is likely that you will be asked to make an identification face to face. In accordance with the local legislation, you may need to attend the confrontation as part of the investigation process. In certain cases, due to the psychological condition of the victim, it may not be possible.
Criminal investigations in Tajikistan tend to progress very slowly. If someone is arrested under suspicion of criminal offence, they may be detained without charges for no longer than 48 hours (or 72 in some cases). In some cases a suspect may not be detained at all.
You are generally expected to make statements in person, though having a lawyer present throughout the proceeding can be beneficial. In order to save time, you may consider having your own interpreter with you when you visit the police station. The British Embassy Dushanbe can provide with a list of local interpreters.
If you leave the country this may mean the case is closed.
In most of cases the victim leaving the country will trigger the closure of a case. It may happen if the law enforcement agency has not collected necessary evidence and has not conducted other mandatory procedures. For example, if the victim leaves the country within a short period of time and does not pass necessary examinations, most likely the law enforcement agency will not be able to continue duly investigation. This may entail closure of the case.
Court procedures: what to expect
Legal cases in Tajikistan are generally expected to testify in person, including in cases of rape and sexual assault. Questions are often asked around the details of sexual acts and might be uncomfortable for you. In Tajik law, the absence of consent is considered as rape, however in practice the absence of torn clothes, or physical injury may be seen as consent. Testimony will be in front of the accused. In theory rape and sexual assault cases in Tajikistan should take place in a closed court, in practice however due to particularities of the legislation it’s not prohibited for a suspect’s family members to attend the court hearing with the justification that they are part of the legal team. There is rarely more than one entrance to a court house so victims and suspects will meet around the trial.
The vast majority of Judges in Tajikistan are male. A UN report on court cases relating to rape and sexual assault found that some judges did not show sufficient consideration for the psychological state of the victim, and failed to control comments from lawyers and relatives of the accused.
You are entitled to be aware of the case developments. However, a UN report suggests that having legal representation from the early stages of a case increases the likelihood that your rights will be respected during initial interviews with police and further investigation stages.
You will have to provide additional comments or concerns should they arise. Extra paperwork will have to be submitted.
It is possible to drop charges by providing a written statement to the investigators you have to be prepared to explain the reason of doing it. If you are suspected in giving false statements you can face legal repercussions.
Alleged assailants can and often do press counter claims, including during the investigation stage. In some instances counter claims may cause an initial investigation to be dropped.
How cases can be taken to trial
When investigation is over a case will be filed by the prosecutor to the court. It may take several months until the case is passed to the court. There will be a time for both parties to familiarise with the case materials before the start of the trial.
First, there may be a preliminary hearing which may last for several days depending on the complexity of the case, and as a result the judge may initiate the main trial or return the case for further investigation.
Legal aid
Victims are entitled to legal aid. You will need the police investigator to formally recognise you as victim. You will need to apply for legal aid through the police by submitting a written request. State provided lawyers rarely speak English, and may be less interested in the outcome of the case. You are not required to prove your financial situation and it will not be evaluated in order to provide a state appointed lawyer.
Legal aid normally covers representation at police interviews, preparing written statements and requests, representation during the trial.
Privately-hired lawyers tend to charge for services per hour, or sometimes you may agree to pay a fixed amount for the whole process. You may change lawyer at any stage if required.
Communication
Police investigator normally communicates directly with the victim or their legal representative.
If you are not resident in-country, you should appoint a local lawyer to represent you.
Victims often have to chase police for information rather than police updating them on the progress of the case. If you do not want to appoint a lawyer, you might need a help of local Russian or Tajik speaker to help you communicate with the police and chase them to keep updated.
Hiring a lawyer
A lawyer can represent you and ensure your rights in a rape or sexual assault case. Lawyers who specialise in representing rape and sexual assault victims are mainly found in larger cities. A list of English-speaking lawyers available on our website. There, a list of translators and interpreters can also be found.
Sentencing
Judges decide whether sentences are weighted in favour of punishment or rehabilitation.
Depending on the case, the sentence for a convicted perpetrator can be a fine or imprisonment.
If the perpetrator is found not guilty, he will be acquitted.
Compensation
Courts can order perpetrators to pay compensation to victims of rape and sexual violence including for moral damage.
There are public foundations in Dushanbe and in the regions who can offer psychological support, defending your interests in a court and a shelter.
When you return home 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
England
Get help and advice on the NHS website: Help after rape and sexual assault - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Scotland
Archway SARC: phone 0141 211 8175
Wales
New Pathways SARC: phone 01685 379 310
Ynys Saff Sexual Assault Referral Centre - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Northern Ireland
Rowan SARC Northern Ireland: phone 0800 389 4424
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 in.
Support organisations in Tajikistan
It is your choice whether to let people know. If you are ready to talk about it, these organisations may be able to help you.
Some of these organisations can offer psychological or legal support, some will be able to represent and act as your defender in a court, or provide shelter.
There are crisis centres for women and children in each big city in Tajikistan, below are the contact details of some of the centres. The centres have limited capacity to shelter victims of sexual and domestic abuse for up to 6 months.
Crisis centres cannot accommodate male victims but would still be able to provide psychological support and legal advice.
Assistance may not be available in English, so you will need help of Russian or Tajik speaker or a translator.
Crisis centres in Dushanbe
Women’s Self-Awareness Centre
27a M. Tursunzoda Street, fourth floor,
Tel: 93 517 77 56,
markazi.bonuvon.dushanbe@gmail.com
League of Women Lawyers.
32/2 Ayni Street. 7,
Tel: 221 24 49,
Centre for Social and Legal Support of Women and Teenagers of Tajikistan Femida
137 Rudaki Avenue
Tel: 93 501 6292
Korvoni Umed
11 N. Hisrav Street
Tel: 900 00 12 22
Crisis centres throughout Tajikistan
Khujand: Zanon baroi adolat
1 Kirmonsho Street
Tel: 93 836 45 45
ASTI
24 Shuro Street.
Tel: 92 777 90 15
Vanch: Sarparast
March 8, building 9,
Tel: 93 581 96 46
Isfara: Umed
22 Markazi Street
Tel: 927 70 04 06
Istaravshan: Zankho ziddi zurovari
186 I. Somoni Street
Tel: 988 65 31 65
Ayni: Kuhsor. 55 Rudaki Street
Tel: 92 762 40 40
Penjikent: Zanoni Shark
85 Rudaki Street
Tel: 92 809 29 28
Balkh: Oksana
24 Khaidarova Street
Tel: 918 69 85 30
Dusti: Darmonbakhsh
35 Rudaki Street
Tel: 93 726 75 57
Khuroson: Marifat
1 Somoni Street
Tel: 93 440 20 64
Lakhsh: Rohnamo.
55 Somoniyon Street
Tel: 93 889 57 12,
Shelters located throughout Tajikistan:
Korvoni Umed
Dushanbe city,
11 N. Hisrav St
Tel: 900 00 12 22
Gulrukhsor
Khujand city
111 R. Nabiev Street
Tel: 98 750 40 74
Gamgori
Bokhtar city
137 Vahdat Street
Tel: (8) 322 227 879
Dilafruz
Bokhtar city
68 Druzhba Narodiv Street
Tel: 91 865 92 93
Maryam
Kulyab city
7, Nematov Street
Tel: 93 500 01 67
Bonuvoni Fardo
Shartuz city
286 I. Somoni Street
Tel: (8) 324 022 888
Disclaimer
This information has been prepared by HMG 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 HMG 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 (02/02/2022).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.