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Rape and sexual assault is always wrong β 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. This information is provided to help British nationals overseas make informed decisions about whether and how to:.
It is your choice about what you do next, but this information may help you in coming to a decision. The most important thing is to make sure that you are as safe as you can be. You can:. If you have a tour operator, they should be able to arrange for someone to support you. If you are in an area near the British High Commission, they will try to send a consular officer to support you, where timing and location allow. 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, think about taking those you were wearing to the police. You may wish to preserve evidence by retaining items such as condoms, toothbrushes, or texts. Tell the police if you think you have been drugged.
Insist you get a police report and request a translation in English if applicable. You do not run any risk from reporting a rape or sexual assault to the police in Botswana. Extramarital sex is not a crime. Drinking and smoking tobacco is not a crime, but taking any other drugs is a crime. At the police station there will be English-speaking male and female officers to talk to. You may be asked about the event, whether there are any witnesses, whether you screamed, whether anybody heard the screams, whether you scratched the assailant, whether you were taken for medical examination and whether there was penetration.
