STAYING SAFE ABROAD:
The British Government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued the following advice for female travellers to help protect yourself from becoming a victim of rape and sexual assault whilst abroad.
1) Try and avoid walking alone, particuarly at night. Stick to well lit areas in safe neighbourhoods.
2) Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
3) Make sure you know the address of where you are staying and how to get back.
4) Be aware that drugs are sometimes used in rapes. They are normally colourless and tasteless, and can make you virtually unconscious and defenceless. Once someone has added drugs to your drink, you will not normally be able to detect them. Be aware that rape drugs can also work in non-alcoholic drinks.
5) Nominate someone to watch your drinks, especially if you are leaving the group you are with, for example to go to the toilet.
6) If you are going to drink alcohol, know your limit. Don't drink so much that you are not in control of what you're doing. Alcohol is the most frequently used drug in drug-assisted rape.
7) Never accept drinks from or share drinks with strangers, or from anyone you do not completely trust.
8) Be sure to observe the customs of your destination in terms of appropiate dress and behaviour, particuarly if you are in a non-western country. Dress to blend in with local women.
9) Don't wear expensive jewellery.
10) Walk with a sense of purpose, keep moving and avoid being drawn into conversation.
Don't feel obliged to respond to unwanted questions, such as "What country are you from?"
In many cultures, women walk arm-in-arm, talking continually, to avoid male harassment. If you feel at all vulnerable, follow their lead - find a female companion, or a male one you trust, or go around in a group.
11) Wear a wedding ring - even if you're not married!
12) If harassed on public transport, make a loud fuss.
13) If there are 'women only' areas on buses or trains, use them.
14) Keep your hotel room locked, and don't open the door unless you know who is outside.
15) Never accept lifts or hitchhike.
Also...
*Avoid dirt tracks and unfrequented beaches unless you're in a group.
*Keep to the main roads when travelling on foot or by bicycle.
*When you are in your hotel or guesthouse after dark, make sure that all the doors and windows are securely locked. ( Source: Rough Guide.)
The Canadian Government issued the following advice for travellers regarding drugs.
Do's and Don'ts:
1) Do pack your luggage yourself. Make sure it is locked and never leave it unattended.
2) Do keep an eye on your children's backpacks, toys and stuffed animals. Someone could slip drugs inside without you knowing.
3) Do choose your travelling companions carefully. If they turn out to be carrying, using or selling drugs, you could be charged by association. Make sure they know where you stand on drugs before you leave.
4) Do ask local authorities, a travel agent or hotel staff which areas are unsafe. You could be attacked or arrested if dealers are nearby and it's assumed you are carrying or selling drugs. Always have an up-to-date map with you.
5) Don't carry parcels, gifts or luggage for other people across borders or through customs - under any circumstances.
6) Don't cross a border with a hitchhiker - or as a hitchhiker. If the person you are with is carrying drugs, you could be found guilty by association.
7) Don't use drugs. Period. You can then be sure you won't be joining the significant number of Westerners currently serving drug-related sentences abroad.
The British Government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued the following advice for female travellers to help protect yourself from becoming a victim of rape and sexual assault whilst abroad.
1) Try and avoid walking alone, particuarly at night. Stick to well lit areas in safe neighbourhoods.
2) Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
3) Make sure you know the address of where you are staying and how to get back.
4) Be aware that drugs are sometimes used in rapes. They are normally colourless and tasteless, and can make you virtually unconscious and defenceless. Once someone has added drugs to your drink, you will not normally be able to detect them. Be aware that rape drugs can also work in non-alcoholic drinks.
5) Nominate someone to watch your drinks, especially if you are leaving the group you are with, for example to go to the toilet.
6) If you are going to drink alcohol, know your limit. Don't drink so much that you are not in control of what you're doing. Alcohol is the most frequently used drug in drug-assisted rape.
7) Never accept drinks from or share drinks with strangers, or from anyone you do not completely trust.
8) Be sure to observe the customs of your destination in terms of appropiate dress and behaviour, particuarly if you are in a non-western country. Dress to blend in with local women.
9) Don't wear expensive jewellery.
10) Walk with a sense of purpose, keep moving and avoid being drawn into conversation.
Don't feel obliged to respond to unwanted questions, such as "What country are you from?"
In many cultures, women walk arm-in-arm, talking continually, to avoid male harassment. If you feel at all vulnerable, follow their lead - find a female companion, or a male one you trust, or go around in a group.
11) Wear a wedding ring - even if you're not married!
12) If harassed on public transport, make a loud fuss.
13) If there are 'women only' areas on buses or trains, use them.
14) Keep your hotel room locked, and don't open the door unless you know who is outside.
15) Never accept lifts or hitchhike.
Also...
*Avoid dirt tracks and unfrequented beaches unless you're in a group.
*Keep to the main roads when travelling on foot or by bicycle.
*When you are in your hotel or guesthouse after dark, make sure that all the doors and windows are securely locked. ( Source: Rough Guide.)
The Canadian Government issued the following advice for travellers regarding drugs.
Do's and Don'ts:
1) Do pack your luggage yourself. Make sure it is locked and never leave it unattended.
2) Do keep an eye on your children's backpacks, toys and stuffed animals. Someone could slip drugs inside without you knowing.
3) Do choose your travelling companions carefully. If they turn out to be carrying, using or selling drugs, you could be charged by association. Make sure they know where you stand on drugs before you leave.
4) Do ask local authorities, a travel agent or hotel staff which areas are unsafe. You could be attacked or arrested if dealers are nearby and it's assumed you are carrying or selling drugs. Always have an up-to-date map with you.
5) Don't carry parcels, gifts or luggage for other people across borders or through customs - under any circumstances.
6) Don't cross a border with a hitchhiker - or as a hitchhiker. If the person you are with is carrying drugs, you could be found guilty by association.
7) Don't use drugs. Period. You can then be sure you won't be joining the significant number of Westerners currently serving drug-related sentences abroad.
posted by HOLY LANCE @ 12:00 AM
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