Encountering sexual violence when travelling
Page last reviewed 30.8.2024
If you experience sexual violence during your trip, go to a safe place and ask for help.
What should I do if I have experienced sexual violence during a trip?
- It is best to seek out a doctor immediately after the event – for the collection of evidence, it is important that you do not wash yourself or change your clothes. The healthcare personnel will examine your injuries and give you instructions for care.
- It’s important to report the crime to the local police. If you want to, you can ask for advice on this from the local healthcare personnel or other authorities.
- Professional help can provide significant support in the coping process. It is important for you to get crisis support as soon as possible after the event. You do not need to cope with the events by yourself.
- Finnish missions can help you with matters such as getting access to healthcare, advice for reporting the crime and getting contact information for local doctors. Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Finland provides information in Finnish about being a target for crime or violence abroad.
- Victim Support Finland (RIKU) helps the victims of crimes in various stages of the process, and helps them contact local victim support operators if necessary. You can contact Victim Support Finland’s service points from abroad. Read more about RIKU’s support services in crimes committed abroad.
- If you have experienced sexual violence during a trip, you can also seek assistance and support through local LGBTQIA+ organisations.
- In addition, it is good to consider which trustworthy close friend or family member you could talk to about the matter. Close friends and family members can also support you with seeking out professional help when you return home.
Where to find support after the trip?
When travelling, a person’s sexual behavior may be different than in their daily life, and unexpected things can happen during a trip. During your trip, you may encounter new and surprising situations that will leave you thinking afterwards. Even if the matter is not considered sexual harassment or sexual violence, it may be helpful to discuss the matter with a professional. For help and support, you can contact Hivpoint’s specialists.
Everyone has the right to determine their limits at any time, even during sex. People’s autonomy and limits must also be respected when actively seeking sexual partners, going to sex parties and having sex while intoxicated.
In Finland, Seri Support Centres provide care and assistance for victims of sexual violence. There are several Seri Support Centres around the country. In addition to forensic examinations, they offer trauma support, psychological counselling and therapy.
Additionally, the Rape Crisis Centre Tukinainen provides support, assistance and counselling for victims of sexual crimes and their friends and family, regardless of gender.