Ecuador: information for victims of rape and sexual assault
Information to help British nationals make informed decisions following a rape or other form of sexual assault abroad.
First steps
If you’ve been sexually assaulted it’s important to remember that it was not your fault. Rape and sexual assault are 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.
It is your choice what you do next, but this information may help you make a decision. The most important thing is to make sure that you are as safe as you can be. You can:
- call the Ecuador’s emergency services on 911
- contact your tour operator if you are travelling with one
- contact consular staff at the British Embassy in Quito, Ecuador
Consular staff will be empathetic and non-judgmental. They 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.
For information on support available in the UK, see Rape and sexual assault: returning to the UK.
If you want to report the incident to the police in Ecuador
You can call 911 emergency services for immediate assistance and to request a specialised police officer from ‘UNCIS’ (National Police Sexual Investigation Unit) to help you with next steps. You can also ask them to inform the British Embassy in Quito.
You can also go to the nearest State Prosecution Office (‘Fiscalía’) to file an official complaint (‘Denuncia’). Ask for the ‘primera acogida’ team (first attention). They are specialised in assisting victims and survivors of gender-based violence. They can arrange for the required medical assessment and psychological support. You can also ask them to inform the British Embassy Quito.
You can approach the nearest community police unit (UPC – ‘Unidad de Policía Comunitaria’) to report what happened, through a preliminary police report (‘Parte Policial’) and to obtain their relevant support. They may put you in contact with UNCIS specialised police team. You can also ask them to inform the British Embassy Quito.
Alternatively, you can report the incident online with the Public Prosecution Office, by completing an online form (‘formulario de denuncia en línea’). Select the type of crime and provide as many details as possible of the incident. The reporter will have to provide their personal details, their email and telephone number, for internal use only. When submitting the report, you will receive a reference number. You will then need to formalise it in person at the nearest ‘Fiscalia’ office (you will receive the location details by email). However, this is not valid for ‘flagrant’ offences (where the authorities can act immediately because the violence has just happened or there is immediate evidence connecting the perpetrator to the act).
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, high commission or consulate, they will try to send a consular officer to support you, where timing and location allow. You will 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 Embassy Quito, on +593 (0)2 3972 200 so you can get 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.
Potential risks
Extramarital sex, homosexuality and use of alcohol are not considered criminal offences in Ecuador. Criminal law applies equally regardless of religion.
Police officers
The Ecuadorean National Police have a specialised unit that investigate offences against sexual integrity (UNCIS – ‘Unidad de Investigación contra la Integridad Sexual’). Victims may contact the police through 911 in an emergency, or approach a police station to report an incident (‘Parte Policial’). UNCIS officers operate on a 24-hour basis and can provide guidance on reporting the offence, filing a formal complaint (‘Denuncia’) with the Public Prosecutor Office (‘Fiscalía’), requesting protection measures or facilitating medical attention through public hospitals or health centres.
In addition, there are Community Police Units (UPC - ‘Unidades de Policía Comunitaria’) throughout Ecuador. Victims can approach a UPC to report what happened and seek immediate assistance. UPC officers can facilitate contact with the specialised police unit, the Prosecution Office, or when minors are involved, the specialised child protection police unit (DINAPEN). UPC officers can take you to a healthcare facility.
It is unlikely that police officers will speak English. However, officers will often try to identify another person who can assist with communication. In most locations, both male and female police officers are available.
Protection measures
Police officers can help arrange protection measures, such as restraining orders (‘Boleta de Auxilio’) with the relevant authorities in cases of violence against women.
Depending on the circumstances and eligibility requirements, UPC community police units can also help you to have access to emergency alert systems, such as the emergency panic button alarm (‘botón de seguridad’) or ECU 911’s ‘botón violeta’ on your mobile telephone. These allow victims to rapidly alert the authorities if they face a new threat or act of violence. The police will register the relevant address and your contact number to support the protection and response measures.
Making a statement and submitting evidence
When reporting the incident to the police in Ecuador, you should:
- ask for a police report and request a translation in English if applicable
- as a foreign national, you have the right to get an accredited translator (‘Perito Traductor’) for all legal proceedings and hearings, which will be provided by the state at no cost. However, in practice this may not always be immediately available. You may want to opt for a private translator, at your own expense
- tell the police if you think you have been drugged
- provide as much information as possible about what happened, for example the time of the incident, location, if known, and the description of the perpetrator
You do not need to surrender your passport while an investigation is carried out. You can request an officer of another gender and they will check if one is available.
The police, prosecutor, or forensic authorities may keep any clothes, electronic devices, photographs, or other items that could constitute evidence. Where evidence is retained, it may not be returned until it is no longer required for the investigation or legal proceedings.
The police can also assist you in obtaining medical treatment from a public hospital or health centre. If you prefer, you may seek treatment from a private hospital or clinic at your own expense, or through your travel or health insurance, if applicable.
As a survivor, you have the right to legal representation throughout the proceedings. You may appoint a private lawyer or seek free legal assistance through the Public Defence Service (known as ‘Defensoría Pública’), which also provide specialised support to victims through their Victims Unit team (‘Unidad de Víctimas’).
If you think that you will no longer be in the country for the trial process, you may want to ask the judge to consider taking your testimony in advance through a procedure known as ‘Testimonio Anticipado’. In sexual offence cases, this is frequently recorded through an audio-video chamber (‘Cámara de Gessel’) for later use in court. This system has been set up to reduce the risk of any type of re-victimisation.
The judge, prosecutor and lawyers from both parties will be present behind the chamber glass to prevent any intimidation to the survivor (along with the official interpreter and the chamber’s IT operator). They will instruct their questions to the psychologist, through an internal microphone. Due to the expected survivor’s emotional distress within this process, the psychologist will facilitate the required breaks (pausing the recording). Children and adolescent will be provided with special treatment and with more frequent breaks.
The evidence (‘pruebas’) collected during the investigation may be later presented at the trial (‘Audiencia de Juzgamiento’).
After making a statement
If the incident is reported immediately or shortly after it occurs, and the alleged offender is identified and apprehended soon afterwards, the case may be treated as a “flagrant offence” (‘delito flagrante’). This allows the authorities to use an expedited procedure designed for cases where the offence has just occurred or there is immediate evidence linking the alleged offender to the incident.
With your consent, the police may ask you to accompany them to the scene of the incident, or where you believe the suspected offender may be found, for the purpose of assisting with identification flagrancy fast-tracked procedure. Your participation in any identification process is voluntary, and the authorities should take appropriate measures to safeguard your safety and wellbeing throughout the process.
The flagrancy category hearing (‘audiencia de calificación de flagrancia’) should be held within 24 hours of the apprehension of the perpetrator, otherwise the case may be voided. The prosecutor on duty will lead this hearing, with the presence of the interpreter, lawyers and the perpetrator. You can decide whether to participate or not, as your lawyer will represent you.
[FLAG] check the Fiscalia’s 24/7 flagrancy units (‘unidad de flagrancias’) responsible for taking formal reports.
For a flagrancy offence, once pressing charges, the judicial process will be completed within 30 days given that a preliminary investigation is no longer necessary.
After filing an official complaint (‘Denuncia’) and providing your statement, the prosecutor may open a preliminary investigation (‘Indagación Previa’) which will include setting all investigation measures deemed necessary using the police and others involved in the care of the victim (doctors, psychologists, forensic examination experts, etc.). The prosecutor may also request formal statements (‘versiones’) from witnesses and any other people who may have relevant information about what happened.
If you do not want to report the incident to the police in Ecuador
The British Embassy Quito will be able to help you, including by:
- helping you to contact your insurance company or your family
- accompanying you to the local hospital or medical facility, where possible
- providing you with lists of English-speaking medical facilities, medical practitioners, 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 are travelling with one. They may be able to help you, including accompanying you to the local hospital.
It’s your choice whether to report the crime. If you don’t report it, your case may not be investigated.
You do not need to report the incident to access medical care. If you choose not to make a formal complaint, you can still receive medical treatment and post-exposure HIV prevention medication through the “Purple Kit” (Kit Púrpura), without undergoing forensic examinations.
Where possible, a consular officer from the British Embassy in Quito may accompany you to a healthcare facility. If you are outside Quito, we can provide information on local medical services. With your consent, we can also refer you to a local NGO or relevant health authority for additional support and guidance.
The medical examination: what to expect
If you are given medication to take while 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.
Where to go
All public hospitals/health centres in Ecuador treat victims for rape and sexual assault through their First Level Response Private Rooms (‘Salas de Primera Acogida’) within normal hours (8am to 5pm) or through 24/7 Emergency Triage Areas (‘Salas de Primera Atención’). The staff in these centres are specially trained to provide this assistance, to guarantee your physical, psychological and wellbeing. You may want to ask to see a doctor of your preferred gender to make you feel more comfortable.
Check the Ministry of Public Health’s App (MSP ‘Acción en Salud: Violencia Basada en Género’), to find the nearest public healthcare facility in Ecuador with services for victims of gender-based violence.
Foreign visitors can access public healthcare with or without a copy of their passports. British residents will be registered with their local Ecuadorean ID number.
You should be able to access a medical assessment and post-exposure HIV prevention treatment through the “Purple Kit” (Kit Púrpura), regardless of whether they choose to report the incident to the police or the Public Prosecution Office (Fiscalía). However, healthcare professionals are legally required to notify the Fiscalía of such cases. The Fiscalía may contact the victim to discuss whether they wish to make a formal complaint or have the case closed. This process may not always be straightforward.
Psychological support is also available, although not usually on a 24-hour basis. If a psychologist is not immediately available, the medical team should arrange a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.
If you wish to contact the British Embassy in Quito at any stage, you may ask hospital staff or the Fiscalía to help you make contact and request consular assistance.
Examination
If you want someone to accompany you to the hospital, you can contact the British Embassy Quito or your tour operator to ask for this.
If you have filed a formal complaint of rape or sexual assault (‘Denuncia’) before seeking medical treatment, the Fiscalía will issue an official order for relevant forensic examinations, including a forensic medical and gynaecological examinations from a public hospital or health centre. They will also offer a psychological assessment.
To collect samples or perform medical or physical examinations, you must first give your consent. At public medical facilities this process will engage two doctors. Remember to ask for a copy of the medical report.
Various public entities (including the Ministry of Public Health, Prosecution Office and Judiciary Council) must adhere to a violence risk screening policy (‘tamizaje de riesgos de violencia’) when interviewing victims (through a set interview form) to identify victims at risk and the best assistance procedure.
The above forensic medical examination (‘examen médico legal’) will record external physical injuries, whereas the gynaecological examination (‘examen ginecológico forense’) will take samples of intra-genital injuries and fluids. The relevant reports (‘informe pericial’) will form part of the prosecutor’s investigation.
HIV prevention
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication (a treatment that can prevent HIV infection) needs to be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective. The NHS may be able to start or continue the 28-day treatment when you return to the UK.
The Fiscalía is also responsible for issuing an official order for you to receive free retroviral treatment from a public hospital or health centre.
The whole retroviral treatment may also be prescribed by a private doctor at a private hospital/clinic, who will provide you with relevant information about its side effects. You will have to cover the relevant costs.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception needs to be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective.
The retroviral treatment (‘kit púrpura’) also includes the emergency contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy.
Should you wish to speak to a private counsellor or psychologist, the British Embassy in Quito can also help you with this.
Paying for treatment
Retroviral kits are available, free of charge, at public hospitals or health centres offering 24 hours emergency’s First Level Triage Service (‘Servicio de Primera Atención’).
Should you prefer to get full treatment in a local private hospital or clinic, you will have to cover all the costs for the medical attention and tests. If you have travel insurance, these costs may be refunded, by presenting the relevant invoices and medical certificates.
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.
You may need to report the crime before you leave Ecuador if you want it to be investigated and police to obtain important evidence.
If you live in or are remaining in Ecuador and the crime took place there, you should report the crime there. If you need help to report the crime, you can contact the British Embassy Quito or the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London.
If you do not report the crime in Ecuador 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 Ecuadorean authorities. 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 Ecuador. This might be necessary to protect vulnerable people, or to stop more crimes being committed.
Court procedures in Ecuador: what to expect
Judicial proceedings in Ecuador can be lengthy, particularly where the suspect is not identified or arrested soon after the incident. An investigating judge oversees the case, and once all evidence, reports, and statements have been gathered, the judge and the Public Prosecutor (Fiscal) decide whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Trial notifications are normally sent to you or your lawyer by email. If you are in the UK and have not been properly notified, a hearing requiring your attendance may be postponed and rescheduled.
Ecuadorean criminal proceedings are guided by the principle of non-re-victimisation (‘no revictimización’). Victims should be offered medical, psychological, or psychiatric support where needed. Once a formal statement has been recorded, the authorities should avoid requiring repeated accounts of the same events, although this is not always achieved in practice.
Following the Charge Hearing (‘Audiencia de Formulación de Cargos’), the Prosecutor’s formal investigation (‘Instrucción Fiscal’) begins and a case number is assigned. During this stage, evidence continues to be gathered under judicial supervision. The investigation usually lasts 90 to 120 days, although in flagrancy cases (‘delito flagrante’ when the perpetrator has been caught in the act) it is typically limited to 30 days.
During the pre-trial stage, victims may file a private accusation (‘acusación particular’) against the alleged offender through a lawyer. If you are outside of Ecuador, you can authorise a lawyer to act on your behalf by granting a special Power of Attorney.
Although Ecuadorean law sets time limits for investigations and court proceedings, these are not always met in practice. Due to court backlogs, cases can take several years to reach trial. If there has been little or no progress, you may wish to raise concerns through your lawyer. Where appropriate, the British Embassy in Quito may also help seek updates from the authorities.
Sexual offences against children and adolescents are not subject to a limitation period, meaning reports can be made at any time and any resulting sentence remains enforceable indefinitely.
Once criminal proceedings have started, they will normally continue even if you leave Ecuador. The Public Prosecution Office (‘Fiscalía’) has a duty to investigate and prosecute criminal offences where appropriate.
You have the right to be informed of the progress of your case and any hearing dates, even after returning to the UK. Notifications are usually sent to the contact details provided to the authorities. With the necessary permissions, the British Embassy in Quito may also be copied on relevant communications.
If you decide that you no longer wish to participate in the case, you should inform the prosecutor through your lawyer. However, the Fiscalía may continue the investigation and prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.
Criminal judgments and judicial decisions may be appealed, meaning proceedings can continue beyond the trial stage until all appeals have been exhausted.
Most hearings are conducted before a panel of three judges, who determine guilt or innocence. Certain preliminary hearings, including the Charge Hearing (‘Audiencia de Formulación de Cargos’) and the Pre-Trial Hearing (‘Audiencia Evaluatoria y Preparatoria de Juicio’), are generally heard by a single judge.
Trial procedures
Once the Prosecutor’s investigation has concluded, a pre-trial hearing (‘Audiencia Evaluatoria y Preparatoria de Juicio’) will be held. The Public Prosecutor decides whether to prosecute the perpetrator(s).
If the judge accepts the charges filed by the Prosecutor, the next stage of the process begins.
The trial will be conducted in Spanish and you will be provided with an official interpreter (‘Perito Traductor’). Your private or state-appointed lawyer should also accompany you.
The trial consists of a hearing in which the court, made up of three judges, will issue a sentence. In this hearing (‘Audiencia de Juzgamiento’), all of the evidence gathered during the investigation will be presented, and you will be asked to give your statement. This hearing can last more than one day depending on the complexity of the case. If it takes too long, the judges can decide to suspend it and then resume the next day or schedule for a new date.
You only have to be present when you give evidence or testify. The hearing cannot be held if the defendant is not present.
You must give a testimony about the assault and the perpetrator/s, providing as much information as possible and detailing the date and place of the incident. This is made under oath and can be questioned by the defendant’s lawyer. You can ask to give it without having visual contact with the perpetrator(s), in which case the judge can allow you to give your account of the facts by connecting virtually (through video conference means).
The judge will order any necessary measures to ensure that you are not harassed or intimidated while giving your testimony, or when answering the questions that the perpetrator’s lawyer may ask you.
If you need a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or any other type of therapist to assist you while giving your testimony, you can request it through your private or public lawyer.
If you had provided your anticipated testimony (‘Testimonio Anticipado’) before this hearing, your presence at the court will no longer be required. Only your lawyer should be present on your behalf.
There are three evidence categories: testimonial evidence, documentary evidence and expert evidence (‘testimonial, documental y pericial’)
The evidence is usually presented orally before the trial court. Witnesses and experts may be questioned by both parties. In appropriate circumstances they can provide their statements via videoconference. The defendant has the right to testify or remain silent.
You may wish to be accompanied by a friend or family member to the court hearing.
Sentencing
You are unlikely to receive the court’s decision immediately after the hearing. The written judgment is usually issued later and formally notified through your lawyer and/or the contact details registered with the court.
A conviction may result in:
-
a prison sentence
-
an order for compensation and other measures – ‘reparación integral’ in favour of the survivor
Sexual offences in Ecuador are generally punishable by imprisonment, with the length of the sentence depending on the nature of the offence.
Once the judgment becomes final, the offender must comply with all court orders. If they fail to do so, enforcement action may be taken through the courts. Your lawyer can advise on the available options.
Under Ecuadorean law, sentences are based on the principle of social rehabilitation. A convicted person also has the right to appeal. Any compensation or reparation orders may form part of the appeal process.
If the accused is found not guilty, no criminal liability will arise. However, during the investigation and trial, the court may impose protective measures to safeguard the survivor. These may include a restraining order (‘Boleta de Auxilio’) to prevent contact, harassment, intimidation, or threats.
Any protective order must be formally notified to the person concerned. Failure to comply may result in further legal action, including arrest or other judicial sanctions.
Hiring a lawyer
You have the right to legal assistance throughout the criminal process.
You can get help from English speaking private lawyers in Ecuador.
If you cannot hire a private lawyer, you are entitled to a state-appointed lawyer through ‘Defensoría Pública’, which are available throughout Ecuador. They have a Victims Unit available, specialised to assist victims of rape, sexual assault and domestic abuse.
Your lawyer can help protect your interests, explain the different stages of the proceedings, advise you on your rights, assist with requests for protection measures and reparation, and keep you informed about developments in your case.
Communications between you and your lawyer are generally protected by professional confidentiality. As a result, your lawyer should not disclose information you provide without your consent, except where disclosure is required by law or professional obligations.
Your lawyer may be able to access the information contained in the case file and review evidence gathered by the authorities.
If you decide to proceed through a private accusation, your lawyer can advise you on the procedural requirements, including whether a power of attorney or other formal authorisation is needed in your circumstances.
Some NGOs or local government funded organisations provide free legal advice. See contact details below.
Legal aid
You may appoint a private lawyer or you can seek legal aid and representation through Ecuador’s ‘Defensoría Pública’
Be aware that few of these pro-bono lawyers speak English, especially in rural areas.
In Quito, the Public Defence Service’s ‘Unidad de Víctimas’ is located at Avenida de Los Shyris and Calle El Universo, Orion Building, ground floor. You do not need to make any appointment but approach their offices during their working hours: 8am - 12am / 2pm - 4pm. ‘Unidad de Víctimas’ is also available at the Fiscalía Building in Patria and 9 de Octubre Avenues. You can also call 151 or +593(0)2 381 5270.
Compensation
Compensation for any injuries or losses and any measures intended to remedy the harm suffered by the victim form part of the concept of comprehensive reparation (‘reparación integral de derechos’).
This may include financial compensation or other repairing measures. This must be detailed in the judgement issued by the court. Your lawyer can advise you on the types and level of compensation that you may claim for and how to submit it during the proceedings.
Points of contact
The police officer in charge of your case is likely to be your main point of contact at the beginning of the process.
If you appoint a private lawyer, you may want to decide whether you wish to receive updates and other communications directly from your private or state-appointed lawyer.
If you have returned to the UK or are not in Ecuador, you should be able to communicate with the police officer by email.
Support organisations in Ecuador
Get general information on the attention route for gender-based violence in Ecuador and watch this informative video on how to ask for help. Within the Ecuadorean Organic Law to Prevent and Eradicate Violence Against Women, there is a process to request immediate administrative protection measures (‘medidas administrativas de protección inmediata - MAPIS’).
It is your choice to let people know. If you are ready to talk about it, the following organisations may be able to help you.
CEPAM Quito
This is a local NGO that assists women in Quito and Rumiñahui districts in Pichincha province. They provide legal, psychological, medical and social advice free of charge.
Very few officials may speak English but they may be able to arrange some interpreting help, or you can use an interpreter of your choice.
Phone +593 (0)9 8636 2526 (Quito) / 099 268 5614 (Sangolquí)
Monday to Friday 8am – 1pm / 2pm – 3:30pm
Email: info@cepam.org.ec / cepamuio@gmail.com
CEPAM Quito / CEPAM Quito on X
Fundación Casa de Refugio Matilde
This is a local NGO that supports women at risk in Pichincha province. It provides psychological, legal and social assistance free of charge. They also run a temporary shelter for women and their children at risk.
Few officials may speak English but they may be able to arrange some interpreting help, or you can use an interpreter of your choice.
Phone +593 (0)9 8779 6688 / 099 669 6723
Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm
Email: info@fundacionmatilde.org
Fundación Casa de Refugio Matilde / Facebook / <@casamatilde>
Akuanuna Foundation
This is a local NGO that provides comprehensive assistance and accompanying women survivors on gender-based violence in Quito.
Phone +593 (0)9 6351 6891 Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Email: somos@akuanuna.org / atencion@akuanuna.org
Facebook / Instagram
Warmi Pichincha
This is a local support centre implemented by Pichincha province authority to provide assistance to victims and survivors, in liaison with the police and ECU911 emergency services.
Helpline: 166 for gender-based violence cases
CEPAM Guayaquil
A local NGO that assists women in Guayas and Santa Elena provinces. They provide free psychological, legal and social advice.
Few officials may speak English but they may be able to arrange some interpreting help or you can use an interpreter of your choice.
Phone +593 (0)9 9111 3526 Monday to Thursday 9am to 4:30pm (preferably by WhatsApp)
Mobile phone +593 (0)9 8809 4956 for the office in La Libertad town (Santa Elena)
Email: cepam@cepamgye.org
CEPAM Guayaquil
Casa María Amor
A local NGO in Azuay province (based in Cuenca) that provides specialised assistance for women who are victims and survivors of violence. Their free of charge support includes legal, psychological and social advice, as well as They a temporary shelter for women and their children at risk.
Few officials may speak English but they may be able to arrange some interpreting help or you can use an interpreter of your choice.
Helpline 24/7: +593 (0)9 5893 4487 / +593 (0)7 283 2817
Phone +593 (0)7 283 4139 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Email: lineadeapoyo@mariaamor.org (24/7) / casamariaamor@gmail.com
Facebook / Instagram
Colectivo MAGMA
A women’s activist group in the Galapagos Islands that provides support to victims and survivors of violence.
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis Centre
Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis Centre is a support service for British women and girls aged 13 and over who have been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused. They can also assist friends and family members of survivors.
Their service gives access to UK-based real time support from anywhere in the world via telephone, instant messaging or email.
Helpline and live chat are available from Monday - Friday 11am – 2pm and Monday - Thursday 5.30pm – 7.30pm UK time.
When you return to the UK
If you think there is a risk that you have 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. You can talk to them about your experience, and they can help you get further support and advice where you live.
England
Help after rape or sexual assault
Scotland
NHS Inform Scotland: Help after rape or sexual assault
Wales
New Pathways: Life Beyond Sexual Violence
Northern Ireland
The Rowan (SARC)
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 British embassies, high commissions or consulates 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).