Estonia: 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:
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call the local emergency services on 112
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contact your tour operator if you are travelling with one
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contact consular staff at the British Embassy Tallinn
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 Estonia
The crime must be reported to the police or the Prosecutor’s Office for it to be investigated.
To report crime to the police call 112, go to the nearest police station or contact the Prosecutor’s Office. Online reporting requires an Estonian ID-card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID.
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 nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate on +372 6674700 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
Reporting a sexual assault to the police in Estonia carries the same general risks as reporting any serious crime. Expect to be asked to recount distressing details more than once and, if the case proceeds, a trial could require you to give evidence. Extramarital sex, homosexuality and alcohol consumption are not crimes in Estonia.
Rape and serious sexual assault are prosecuted automatically by the state once reported and generally cannot be dropped by the victim once a formal prosecution has begun. A victim’s wish to withdraw themselves from formal proceedings may not always be taken into account by the prosecutor.
A person suspected of committing rape or sexual assault in Estonia may bring a counter-claim alleging false accusation against the accuser.
Police officers
Male and female police officers will usually be available. The first statement may be taken by a non-specialist officer. Most Estonian officials speak English, but you may need an interpreter, especially in rural areas. You have the right to request an interpreter if the officer does not speak your language.
Making a statement and submitting evidence
You should:
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tell the police if you think you have been drugged
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ask for a police report and request a translation in English if applicable
Police may ask about the assailant, location, time, circumstances, witnesses and vehicle details. You will check and sign your statement. Police may retain clothing as evidence. If the attack was reported within 48 hours and you have not already been examined, police may send you to hospital for a forensic examination.
Available support
A lawyer is not appointed automatically. We strongly recommend appointing a lawyer if you proceed with a report.
English-speaking lawyers in Estonia
After making a statement
Police will explain the next steps and may request further statements, witness information or evidence. They may ask whether you wish to submit a civil claim. During an investigation, you may be asked to identify an unknown assailant from photographs. Police will try to keep you and the assailant separate, although a face-to-face procedure may very rarely be necessary.
If you do not want to report the incident to the police in Estonia
The British Embassy can help by:
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helping you contact your insurance company or family
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accompanying you to a hospital or medical facility, where possible
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providing lists of English-speaking medical practitioners, lawyers and translators and interpreters
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helping with arrangements to return to the UK
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providing information on 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 can still receive medical treatment. You can ask for forensic evidence to be collected without reporting immediately. This should be done within 72 hours.
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 hospitals in Estonia treat male and female victims. Go to the nearest emergency department or gynaecologist as soon as possible. Sexual Violence Crisis Support Centres are located in hospitals and offer examination and evidence collection. You can stop the examination at any time and ask a friend or family member to be present.
Sexual Violence Crisis Support Centres
West Tallinn Central Hospital, Pärnu Hospital, Tartu University Hospital and Ida-Viru Central Hospital treat victims of sexual assault as a priority.
Examination
A gynaecologist or emergency doctor carries out the examination. Male and female gynaecologists are available. Most doctors speak English; an interpreter may be needed in rural areas. The examination may include:
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documenting injuries and taking photographs if necessary
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collecting forensic evidence, including sperm, blood and urine samples and underwear
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testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
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help to find secure accommodation if necessary
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check-ups and aftercare
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support if you decide to contact police
Hospitals are not required to report the incident or examination results to police. To seek an investigation, you must report the incident yourself.
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.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception needs to be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective.
Emergency contraception, “Erakorraline rasestumisvastane vahend”, can be bought from a pharmacy (“Apteek”) without a prescription or provided by a hospital.
Paying for treatment
A GHIC or EHIC card, or travel insurance, can cover hospital treatment and tests. Sexual Violence Crisis Support Centre examinations and treatment are free.
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 Estonia if you want it to be investigated and police to obtain important evidence.
If you live in or are remaining in Estonia and the crime took place there, you should report the crime there. If you need help to report the crime, you can contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London.
If you do not report the crime in Estonia 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 Estonia. 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 Estonia. This might be necessary to protect vulnerable people, or to stop more crimes being committed.
Court procedures in Estonia: what to expect
If there is enough evidence, the Prosecutor’s Office will send the case to court.
If a suspect is tried, you will be required to testify. A hearing may be closed to protect your privacy.
You may be asked to return to Estonia and may claim some expenses from the Estonian government. Whether you can testify by video link from the UK depends on the court. A lawyer cannot give evidence for you.
It is not up to victim to drop charges once they are filed, even if you wish to do so, the prosecutor`s office will decide either to send the case in court or not. There are legal repercussions if the victim has given false accusations or forged evidence.
The alleged assailant can press counter charges claiming false accusations.
If the case is referred to further investigation you may be asked to give an additional statement.
Trial procedures
The time taken to reach a final sentence depends on the case. The defendant has a right to at least one appeal, and the victim also has a right of appeal.
Sentencing
The length of time it takes for a final sentence to be passed in a rape or sexual assault case depends on a number of factors.
The sentence for a convicted adult perpetrator is imprisonment. Imprisonment may be imposed with probation.
After the sentence has been passed, the defendant has the right to at least one appeal. The victim also has a right to appeal.
If alleged perpetrator is found not guilty and was kept in pre-trial detention or custody during the trial, they are released immediately. The individual legally becomes an acquitted person and is not considered criminally convicted.
Hiring a lawyer
During the court procedures, a lawyer is not mandatory for you. A lawyer can assist you in asserting your rights in a rape or sexual assault case and better understanding of the legal procedures in Estonia, appealing if necessary and getting other relevant information if applicable. See the list of English-speaking lawyers in Estonia.
Legal aid
Free legal assistance (“õigusabi”) may be available. The Estonian government e-portal explains who can provide free legal aid, where to apply and what free legal aid is covered .
Compensation
The courts can order the offender to pay compensation for any injuries or losses after they have been convicted in a criminal court or as a result of civil action.
There is a state-funded compensation scheme Victim support (‘Ovriabi’ in Estonian) to cover physical or psychological injuries suffered as a result of a violent crime, which may apply to British nationals as well if the crime happened in Estonia. Read more information aboutthe scheme and find further victim support organisations.
Points of contact
The police officer in charge of your case is likely to be your main point of contact.
If you appoint a private lawyer, you may need to decide whether you wish to receive updates and other communications directly from the police officer or through the lawyer.
If you have returned to the UK or are not in Estonia you should be able to communicate with the police officer by email.
You can approach the investigator or prosecutor’s office for information on your case at any time. You are notified of important developments such as closure of the case, court dates and court orders.
Support organisations in Estonia
It is your choice to let people know. If you are ready to talk, these organisations may help.
Victim Support Crisis Helpline and Service
Call 116 006 in Estonia or +372 614 7393 from abroad. The helpline operates 24/7, offers crisis support and information about temporary safe accommodation, permits anonymous calls and provides assistance in English.
Sexual Violence Crisis Support Centres
No referral is needed. Centres offer support, examination and evidence collection, pregnancy prevention, STI testing, HIV post-exposure treatment, help contacting police and specialist referrals where needed. Examinations and treatment are free.
Emotional support and pastoral care
Call 116 123 from Estonia every day from 10am to midnight.
Women’s support centres and shelters
Services include psychosocial crisis support, psychological counselling, free initial legal advice and safe temporary accommodation.
Online mental health counselling
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
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).