Help American Sexual Assault Victims Abroad

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