Questionnaire: Could You Cope as a Victim of Crime Abroad?

No one likes to think that they could become a victim of crime, much less while travelling abroad, but the fact remains that it could happen to anyone at any time.

You might think that it would be impossible to predict how you would react to becoming a victim of crime, but there are ways to help determine how you would cope.

To help you figure out if you are prepared in the event of becoming a crime victim, we have put together the questionnaire below. Answer “yes” or “no” to each question and total your answers to determine if you could cope as a victim of crime abroad.

Questionnaire

1. Do you leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend of relative when you travel?
2. Do you leave contact information for each of your accommodations with a friend or relative when you travel?
3. Do you know the location and contact information of the nearest embassy or consulate when you travel overseas?
4. Are you aware of the local emergency numbers when you travel abroad?
5. Would you be prepared to report a crime that occurs when you travel abroad?
6. Would you feel comfortable requesting an English speaking official, or a female official, should you need to report a crime while travelling overseas?
7. Would you feel comfortable contacting local victims services should you need support following a crime that occurs while travelling overseas?
8. Do you maintain a list of your possessions, particular expensive items, when you travel abroad?
9. Do you keep a copy of your passport, travel documents and financial documents in a secure location when you travel?
10. Do you maintain adequate travel insurance, for your health and your possessions, when you travel abroad?
11. When you travel abroad do you bring contact information for friends and family at home so that you can get in touch at any time?
12. Would you be willing to change your travel plans should you become the victim of a crime while abroad?

Could You Cope as a Victim of Crime Abroad?

If you answered “yes” to between one and four questions then you would most likely not cope well as a victim of crime abroad. It might seem like you’ll bring about bad luck if you actively prepare for an emergency abroad, but without adequate preparation even the smallest hiccup could spoil your entire trip. Remember to carry and leave contact information with family and friends, keep details of local consulates, embassies and emergency numbers with you as you travel and remain aware of your possessions so that you could better cope in the event that anything is taken. Should you require official help following a crime, don’t hesitate to make a report - your insurance policy might require it as well.

If you answered “yes” to between five and eight questions then you might cope well as a victim of crime abroad. You no doubt prepare well prior to travel and would be aware of how and where to report crimes if they were to occur while you are abroad. Remember to organise your travel insurance before you leave and keep copies of your sensitive personal, travel and financial information in secure locations so that you will have them on hand should you need them.

If you answered “yes” to nine or more questions then you would most likely cope well as a victim of crime abroad. There is little you don’t think about when it comes to protecting your health, safety and security and little you are not prepared for when you travel abroad. Take a look back over the questions to which you answered “no” and work on these items before your next overseas trip. By then there won’t be anything you don’t know about coping should you become the victim of a crime abroad!