Sexual Misconduct

Minimizing the Risks

Sexual violence is a global issue — and it’s never the victim’s fault. While female students are statistically more at risk, students of all gender identities should stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves and each other. 

Know Before You Go 

• Research your host country: Learn about local customs, gender norms, dress expectations, and areas to avoid.Past GEO program participants suggest getting together with fellow students to discuss what does and does not work when dealing with unwanted attention. 

• Understand cultural cues: Early in your program, talk with locals and fellow students about what’s considered respectful or inappropriate behavior. 

• Blend in when possible: Dressing like a local and avoiding flashy items can help reduce unwanted attention. 

Stay Aware & Trust Your Instincts 

• Be alert: Walk confidently, avoid poorly lit or isolated areas, and don’t wear headphones when alone. 

• Listen to your gut: If something feels off, it probably is. It’s okay to say no or remove yourself from a situation. 

• Avoid distractions: Stay off your phone and be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night. 

Social Situations & Substance Use 

• Drink responsibly: Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment. If you choose to drink, stay with trusted friends and look out for one another. 

• Stick with your group: Don’t leave anyone behind. Use the buddy system when going out. 

• Ignore catcalls: Don’t engage — just keep walking. 

Safe Spaces & Emergency Prep 

• Stay near others: If you’re alone in a public space (like a train station), stay close to families or groups. 

• Secure your space: Don’t open doors to strangers if you’re alone or unsure. 

• Know the law: Some self-defense items (like pepper spray) may be illegal in your host country. Check before you pack. 

• Save emergency contacts: Know the local emergency number (it’s not always 911!) and save your program staff’s numbers in your phone. 

Be An Active Bystander 

Looking out for each other is key. Bystander intervention means stepping in — safely — when you see something that doesn’t feel right. This could mean: 

• Distracting someone who’s being harassed 

• Checking in with a friend who looks uncomfortable 

• Getting help from others or alerting authorities 

Learn more about how to intervene safely: NSVRC Bystander Intervention Resources 

• Research your study away location and local culture to better understand cultural norms (including gender issues), appropriate dress, interpersonal communication, conceptions of personal space, and areas/neighborhoods to avoid. Learn the unwritten rules of your host culture during the early stages of your program. Past GEO program participants suggest getting together with fellow students to discuss what does and does not work in regards to dealing with unwanted attention. Take cues from locals. Look at how they dress and interact with strangers. Although you may want to express your own individuality, keep in mind that the way you dress may attract unwanted attention from men and women alike. Try not to look like a tourist, as the outward appearance of being wealthy or foreign could lead you to being targeted. Drink in moderation and do not take drugs. Being intoxicated can make you a target for predators because of impaired judgment and reduced capacity to protect yourself. If you are drinking in excess, make sure you are with friends and keep track of each other. Trust your instincts. You should never do something you are not comfortable with, and remember it is okay to say no. If you feel cornered by someone, look for a way to get out of the situation and seek help immediately. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Walk confidently and act as if you know where you are going. Avoid poorly lit, deserted areas and try not to walk alone, especially at night. Avoid walking or working out with headphones or earbuds in. When out, travel with a group. Make sure to stay together, lookout for each other, and do not leave anyone behind. Do not respond to any catcalls that you receive. Just walk on. If you have to wait somewhere alone, like in a train station, stay near other people or families. This may help keep you from being harassed or approached. Do not open a residence door to strangers if you are alone or feel uncomfortable. Check the legality of “self-defense” items in your host state/country before traveling. Be aware that in certain states and countries, mace, pepper spray, and other such self-defense items are considered weapons and may be illegal to carry. Know the emergency number for your host country. It is not necessarily 911 as it is here in the United States. Be sure to save this number into the phone you will be using while abroad. You should also save the cell phone numbers of your program/faculty directors and on-site support staff, just in case you ever need to reach them. If you do not know these numbers, you should ask for them.