Assault - Consular Affairs

Assault

If you have been assaulted or threatened with violence, contact local authorities immediately. At the same time, you should report the matter to the nearest Canadian government office abroad and/or contact the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa.

For calls originating in Canada and the U.S., call 1 800 267-6788 or (613) 944-6788.

Canadian citizens outside Canada can call collect to (613) 996-8885.

Some countries also have toll-free lines to contact the Operations Centre in Ottawa.

The following information outlines important steps to take if you are the victim of assault while you are abroad.

Who to Contact

Contact the police as soon as possible and ensure that a police report is completed. If your injuries do not permit this course of action, ensure that someone else fills out a report for you. If necessary, a Canadian official from the nearest Canadian government office abroad can assist you with this process. Canadian consular officials can:

	assist in reporting the crime to the police;assist in reporting the crime to the police;
	provide support and assistance in relation to the emotional, social, medical and legal consequences of the assault;
	assist in contacting relatives or friends;
	contact counselling services locally, if available, or in Canada;
	assist in meeting basic safety needs; and
	ensure that a proper investigation is carried out and charges laid if the person responsible has been identified

If you are unable to meet with the police immediately, record all details to jog your memory later on. If possible, have photographs taken of your injuries.

Seek medical and other professional assistance. If there was violence, do not just assume that you are physically all right; seek confirmation from a professional.

Make arrangements to contact family and friends back home to reassure them as to your safety and well-being, especially if you have missed a regular contact with them due to the assault.

Precautions

Remain cautious and never open the door to strangers. Assailants often disguise themselves as a repair or delivery person in order to gain entry into a residence. In some cases, consider posting signs on the front door in the appropriate language informing visitors that the door will not be opened without an appointment.

Wherever possible, try to share accomodations with someone you know.

Avoid travel by night by long-distance or international coaches.

Lost or Stolen Documents

If you have been robbed, see the Lost of Belongings section for information on the replacement of lost items, especially passports, travel documents, and credit cards.

Arrest of the Attacker

If someone is arrested for the assault, you will be required to give testimony and attend future legal proceedings. As in Canada, legal proceedings may be prolonged.

Such events can be traumatic. You should make arrangements to talk to family and friends, or to a professional, about the incident.