Rape is an unimaginable tragedy for the victims and their loved ones – according to police statistics, thousands of women and men fall victim to such crimes each year. These incidents most often occur during the summer months, especially during holidays and vacations. Learn how to ensure your safety and what to pay attention to so that you don’t become a victim of rape while traveling!
Rape Statistics are Shocking – Thousands of Victims
Sexual offences are a topic that, unfortunately, frequently appears in media reports. This is a widespread issue, and its scale is shocking. Recently, the BBC reported that in 2023, police recorded approximately 52,000 cases of sexual offences in the UK, with many involving rape. The UK’s legal system defines rape as follows:
Rape is defined under section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003:
“A person (A) commits an offence if—
(a) he intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person (B) with his penis,
(b) B does not consent to the penetration, and
(c) A does not reasonably believe that B consents.”
It’s essential to remember that this represents just the tip of the iceberg, as the most severe form of sexual assault under UK law. However, more commonly, various forms of abuse, such as workplace harassment, unwanted touching, or digital harassment, occur regularly.
According to the UK Home Office, more than 10,000 rapes were reported in 2022. These are documented cases – hundreds of others go unreported. The same applies to other forms of abuse mentioned above.
When Do Rapes Most Often Occur? The Summer Months
The BBC, citing data from the National Crime Agency, indicated that the majority of sexual offences, including rape, occur during the summer months – particularly in June.
This is due to several factors:
- More people are outside of their homes,
- Summer is a time for activities that encourage meeting new people,
- Increased alcohol consumption (leading to lowered alertness, reduced self-preservation instincts, etc.),
- Late-night returns from parties,
- The holiday atmosphere promoting “romantic encounters,”
- Vacations abroad or trips to tourist resorts within the UK.
Spring and summer are times when people want to enjoy the beautiful weather and their free time. They spend a lot of time outside, often drinking alcohol and indulging in fun activities. It is also a period when our defense instincts and alertness are significantly lowered – in such moments, no one thinks about the dangers that might be lurking around the corner.
For this reason, many people, especially young women who are most at risk, decide to take a walk home alone after a night out. This is a phenomenon that is less likely to occur during the autumn or winter months.
However, the circumstances that most significantly contribute to crimes against people with lowered alertness are holidays – both in the country and especially abroad.
Rapes on Holidays – How Do They Happen?
Travelling abroad is a very popular way of spending holidays. Many people from various countries in Europe choose such trips – and criminals, such as pickpockets, know this well. Tourists are an easy target not only for robbery assaults but also for sexual attacks.
Drink Spiking – What Is It?
Alcohol and holidays abroad are for many people a natural combination. Whether it’s the famous “drinks with umbrellas” at a resort or on the beach, a glass of wine at a restaurant, or a bottle of beer by the lake – tourists consume alcoholic beverages, often unaware of the potential dangers.
Drink spiking, or the act of adding intoxicating substances to alcoholic beverages, is one of the most common and effective methods used by attackers. Trained criminals only need a fraction of a second to add a dangerous substance to a drink – most commonly, the so-called date rape drug.
This is a very high risk, especially in clubs or at organized parties. The victim, unaware of the substances in the drink, consumes it. Shortly after, they lose consciousness, becoming an easy target for rape. What’s more, the chances of not remembering anything after waking up are very high.
Drink spiking is undoubtedly the biggest danger when it comes to rapes during holidays. Anyone can become a victim, and the symptoms indicating an impending threat are incredibly easy to overlook.
Sexual Assault in a Hotel, at a Party, or on the Beach
The risk of becoming a victim of rape is particularly high if you are traveling to some of the most dangerous countries in the world. However, it’s important to remember that even when traveling to tourist-friendly destinations, we are not 100% safe.
In 2017, the case of a rape involving Polish tourists in the Italian city of Rimini gained widespread attention. At that time, four individuals brutally attacked a couple on the beach – the boyfriend was severely beaten, and his girlfriend was sexually assaulted. All of this happened in one of the most visited tourist cities in Italy, on a beach where thousands of holidaymakers relax every day.
A common place for such assaults during holidays are also hotels, especially those with dubious reputations. However, it’s important to remember that rape can occur anywhere – not only in spaces where we are more alert (e.g., in a bar or a club), but also in seemingly calm and harmless places.
Lack of vigilance towards newly met people
Holidays, especially when traveling alone or with friends, often lead to meeting new people. In summer, party-filled environments, it’s easy to forget to be cautious around strangers. Trusting too quickly can be dangerous and lead to trouble.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we should avoid interacting with others. However, it’s important to remember to follow certain guidelines and stay alert – this way, we greatly increase our chances of avoiding danger.
So, if we are offered the chance to go somewhere alone with someone we just met and are unsure about, it’s better to think twice before accepting.
Danger Lurks Everywhere
Although the circumstances mentioned above are by far the most commonly reported scenarios of sexual assaults, this does not mean that we are completely safe in other situations.
Danger can be lurking just around the corner, in the least expected moments and places. For this reason, it is very important to stay alert and keep a clear mind to avoid bringing danger upon oneself.
How to Protect Yourself from Rape on Holidays? Tips
There are several safety rules whose application greatly increases our protection against sexual assault during holidays both at home and abroad. Most importantly, they do not negatively affect our comfort while relaxing, and implementing them does not require much effort. These are actions that could prove crucial in a crisis situation.
Here are some selected tips:
- Don’t lose your alertness, even on holiday.
- Never leave your drinks unattended.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in unfamiliar places.
- Use licensed taxis or apps.
- Carry legal self-defense accessories with you.
- Stay alert when meeting new people.
- Inform your loved ones about your plans.
- Ensure safe accommodation.
- Don’t ignore your gut feelings.
Before traveling abroad, it’s also a good idea to ensure proper preparation. It’s a good idea to check the safety level of the country and key travel tips on the Foreign Office website. This will help you determine which countries are better to avoid for holidays and also inform you about what to pay attention to during your stay.
Be sure to also equip yourself with travel insurance, which will provide you with full protection in case of misfortune.
Summary
Rapes during holidays are a very serious threat that many people tend to downplay. It is important to remember that tourists abroad are a frequent target for criminals – vacationers often fail to stay alert and forget about potential dangers. It’s also important to remember that not only women, but also men can be victims of rape.
For this reason, during your trips, make sure to take care of your safety and, while relaxing, don’t forget that danger can be lurking around the corner at the most unexpected moment.