Imagine going on a beautiful holiday with your close friend and your children, only to be sexually assaulted and humiliated. For one woman, this was her unfortunate reality. While on vacation, the British mom was assaulted while parasailing in Tunisia. What was meant to be a relaxing time turned into a nightmare, one that she would never forget.
UK Tourist Reports Assault By Parasailing Operator
The British mother, a 52-year-old woman from Southport, had made a booking to go parasailing with her friend while they were on vacation in Tunisia. She thought this would be a great opportunity to get the best views from the sky.
Winds were particularly high on the day, and the women were told they would each need to go up separately with an instructor, instead of their original plan to go up together.
Her friend went first and had a great experience. But when it was her turn to go up, the experience took an unexpected twist.
She reported to The Sun, “I could feel the back of my bikini bottoms being pulled, and he was pulling the strap. He must have been tightening the harness to get me closer. His legs straddled around me; he had one hand up on the parachute, the other wasn’t. Then I felt him touch my leg.”
The woman ended with, “I felt violated and dirty and was scared. He was only a young lad, maybe around 20. It was a horrible experience and I was really scared. I felt helpless hanging in the air.”
When the parasailing ride ended, the Bristish mom broke down in tears. She went straight to the water sports center where she had made the booking, and reported the assault to the person in charge. She then proceeded to the local police station in Tunisia and filed a formal report.
What To Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted In A Foreign Country
If you feel that you have been sexually assaulted while visiting another country, here are the guidelines you should take:
Rape and Sexual Assault Guidelines
Immediate safety: Call the police or ambulance. Contact your local Embassy within the country.
Reporting locally: Report quickly to preserve evidence. Do not wash or change clothes. Ask for an interpreter if needed.
Risks: Homosexuality is criminalised, and alcohol-related offences may affect reporting.
If not reporting: Embassy can help with medical care, insurance, family contact, and returning home.
Medical exam: Only possible if reported to the police. Includes forensic checks, STI tests, emergency contraception, and HIV treatment.
Investigation: Prosecutor directs case, evidence collected, suspect may be held 48 hours. The victim may need to identify the perpetrator.
Court: Private hearings with judges. An interpreter can be provided. Cannot drop charges. Compensation is possible.
Lawyer: Strongly advised for updates, legal protection, and court support.
Back in your country: Contact GP for support and STI testing.
The After Effects of Sexual Assault
Survivors of sexual assault are prone to experiencing shock, fear, numbness, anger, and acute stress disorder, which includes intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and dissociation, among other things.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a common long-term consequence marked by flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and severe anxiety that can disrupt daily life and relationships.
Here is a list of other mental health impacts that could be noticeable after an assault:
Depression: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety: Generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, or specific phobias tied to the assault.
Dissociation: Detachment from self or surroundings, sometimes leading to dissociative disorders.
Substance abuse: Alcohol or drug use as a coping mechanism, risking addiction.
Low self-esteem: Shame, guilt, and self-blame that erode confidence and self-worth.
Trust and intimacy issues: Difficulty maintaining relationships due to fear or withdrawal.
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, nightmares, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Eating disorders: Emotional eating, weight changes, or disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
Survivors may develop issues with their physical health, such as chronic pain, headaches, digestive issues, or weakened immunity due to prolonged stress. Survivors may also face higher risks of further victimization, which can often be tied to lowered self-esteem or impaired judgment.
If you feel that you or a loved one is having trouble after being assaulted, there are plenty of resources available. If you are in the US, RAINN offers compassionate support to anyone seeking help.
Final Thoughts
Since the UK mom made the report of her parasailing assault in Tunisia, she has since been told that the man who assaulted her has been apprehended. Her insurance company and the Foreign Office have now stepped in and are handling the matter further.
She has since admitted that the incident completely ruined the rest of her trip, stating, “As women, you expect a bit of banter from men in these countries, but this wasn’t banter, it was a sexual assault.”
This case serves as a reminder that sexual assault can happen anywhere, even in places meant for relaxation and fun. It highlights the importance of knowing how to seek help abroad, understanding local laws, and reaching out for both medical and emotional support.
Most importantly, it underscores that survivors should never feel blame or shame, as the responsibility always lies with the perpetrator.
