Help American Sexual Assault Victims Abroad

Riley emailed our crisis email requesting information on sexual assault resources in Italy. At first, our advocate was not sure if Riley was asking for this information for herself or someone else.

After some time Riley disclosed that, she had been sexually assaulted in Italy. She was there on a short home-stay taking art lessons. She disclosed that the assault had happened the day before but she was too afraid and ashamed to tell anyone. Not even friends or family.

Riley had no idea what to do. She did not speak Italian. She was so traumatized she did not trust anyone, not even the police or medical personnel.

We provided Riley with emotional support and explained what resources were available to her, and most importantly, did our best to help her overcome the self-blame she was feeling.

Riley did seek medical services in Italy. She plans to get counseling once she arrives back home.

She was especially grateful to have a completely confidential resource available to help her in the aftermath of her assault. A key factor in overcoming the trauma of an assault. This would not be possible without donors like you who support this project.

Thank you so much from the Pathways Team!

*In these reports, we may change the name of the victim and may use a photo that is a likeness, but not the actual photo of the victim, for safety purposes.

Ruby was finally able to go on her trip abroad with a friend last month after an over two-year delay due to covid. They were taking six weeks to explore the Mediterranean coast starting in Lisbon and making their way to Rome.

About half way through their trip, Ruby and her friend were walking back to their hostel one evening when two young men began walking alongside them. They were friendly and chatty and Ruby and her friend agreed to meet them the next day for lunch.

Lunch went well and they continued to hang out on the beach for the afternoon. They stopped for drinks and that is the last thing Ruby and her friend remember before waking up in their hostel the next morning.

They realized they had been drugged and sexually assaulted. The hostel manager confirmed the men had joined them, but left before curfew as promised. He told them "You girls seemed out of it. The guys said you had drank too much and they were helping you get back to your room."

Ruby emailed our advocate and she explained to them what resources were availalabe and how to access them. They decided to access medical attention, rape kits and made a police report. Ruby has continued to contact us for emotional support. Despite their trauma, they continued their trip and have arranged counseling in their home town for when they return.

Ruby and her friend are grateful for the help we were able to provide. We are grateful to you for supporting this project and making help possible. Thank you! The Pathways Team