Statistics show number of reported rapes has doubled in the last five years
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has warned women that they should take care while on holiday after an increase in the number of reports of rape.
As part of the Government’s Know Before You Go campaign, the FCO has published statistics showing that the number of rapes reported to British consulates has doubled, from 61 in 1997 to 129 last year.
And, according to the Daily Telegraph, most of the rapes took place in resorts especially popular with young people; 38 of the attacks were in Spain, 34 in Greece, eight in Turkey and six in Cyprus. The FCO leaflet tells holidaymakers that they should never take drinks from strangers, use unlicensed taxis or accept lifts from people they do not know.
A spokesman told the newspaper: “It is a very serious issue but must be kept in context. We are talking about 129 cases out of 58 million trips abroad. We just want people to take sensible precautions and have enjoyable holidays.”
Andy Cooper, of the Federation of Tour Operators, added: “Some of the guidelines may seem tough but they are sensible. Unfortunately a lot of people leave their brains behind when they go on holiday.”
