Know Before You Go

TULUM A Guide to Keep You Safe Abroad provided by: Pathways to Safety International

Updated June 2019 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: , 2

Let’s be perfectly clear, the number one way to prevent sexual assault is to not rape. While the responsibility of ending sexual gender based violence is on the perpetrators, this guide will offer general safety tips, country-specific information, and resources to help prevent and prepare travelers for the possibility of sexual assault abroad. GENERAL SAFETY TIPS: 7 out of 10 1. Use the buddy system and travel with friends or people you trust. rapes are 2. Be aware of social and cultural norms. For example, looking at someone in the eyes committed when you speak to them is perfectly normal in the U.S., but in another country that by someone could signify you’re interested in the person. known to the victim1 3. Recognize controlling behavior when entering a relationship. Most rape survivors recall feeling “uncomfortable” about some of their partner’s behaviors such as degrading jokes/ language or refusal to accept “no” as an answer, whether in a sexual context or otherwise.2 4. Avoid secluded places where you could be more vulnerable. Meet new people in public spaces and let a trusted friend know where you’ll be beforehand. Always have a backup plan in mind. 5. Trust your gut. Many victims have a “bad feeling” right before an assault takes place. It’s okay to leave a situation that is making you feel uncomfortable. Stay alert and aware in new places and social settings. 6. Watch your drink being poured and carry it yourself, even to the bathroom. Drug-facilitated sexual assault drugs, also referred to as roofies, may turn your drink slightly salty, bright blue, or cloudy. Effects of distorted judgment, loss sense of time, sight, sound, or overall consciousness can be felt within 15 minutes and may last up to 4 hours.3 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL NORMS: Because Tulum is a huge tourist town, you will see many different cultures here, such as native peoples (Mayan families) and newcomers from Europe (specifically Italy).4 When greeting someone from the Yucatán Peninsula, a handshake is standard, but if you know them well, then a hug is standard for men, and kisses on the cheek are common amongst women. Yucatecans are usually warm and inviting conversationalists, but they typically do not express disagreement openly. Contrastively, the Maya tend to be more reserved in conversation.5 GENDER, DISCRIMINATION, STIGMA: Being LGBTQ in the Yucatán Peninsula, you will find little open discrimination and violence. There are many LGBTQ friend- ly bars and accommodations across , and same-sex marriage is legal. Check out the resources page for a list restaurants and bars that are gay-friendly.6 Though the crime rates and violence rates are pretty low7, women still need to stay vigilant and use our general safety tips. Tulum tends to be a good traveling spot for women, especially those traveling solo. Machismo is still prevalent in Tulum, so expect some cat-calling and attempts to chat from men. To help minimize the risk of harassment and violence, try drinking with others rather than alone at bars, or follow in suit with local woman, and dress more conservatively.8 Abortions are legal in , and you can receive Zacafemyl, (Mifepristone) at abortion clinics. There are free abortion services, but in some private clinics, you will have to pay. For women not living in the city or who weren’t planning on traveling to Mexico City, Fondo Maria can help pay for funds, find you places to stay, get an escort to a clinic, etc. The organization’s information is in the resources section. ⁹ DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS: The legal drinking age is 18 in Mexico, which is why there can be a large party scene, especially with American students here.10 Though the Mexican government legalized the possession of very small amounts of drugs for personal consumption in 2009, you should still use caution when participating in these activities. If caught with drugs, you might be subjected to punish- ment by the Federal police, or have to pay a bribe to local police.11 The Yucatán Peninsula, and places like Cancún have a large party and drinking scene, so be aware of the amount of alcohol you consume. The State department released a statement warning spring breakers about their alcohol consumption and what is considered a crime by Mexican authorities: “Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting remarks”.12 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: TULUM, MEXICO 4

RESOURCES

PATHWAYS TO SAFETY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS &

Crisis Line, first dial the country specific AT&T access ABORTION CLINICS Fundación Angélica Fuentes code for Mexico (+52). Then, at the prompt, enter our Email: [email protected] phone number: 833-SAFE-833 (833-723-3833) Women on Waves Mexico Abortion Clinic Crisis Email: Connect with a Pathways Advocate via email Tel. + (52) 7559800548 at [email protected]. All crisis emails will be responded to within 24 hours. *For immediate help, CLÍNICAS DE ABORTO EN MÉXICO DF please call our crisis line. Email: [email protected] Telephone: (+44) 020 8671 394 Live Chat: Pathways online chat service is available 24/7 on our website at pathwaystosafety.org. HOSPITALS Hospital Tulum U.S. CONSULATE Open 24 hours Cancun - 307, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Carretera Federal Puerto Juarez-Chetumal, Mz. 293 Lt. 1 Plaza Tel. +52 984 871 2271 Progreso Local 33, Ejidal, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico Tel. +52 999 942 5700 Costamed Tulum Open 24 hours Website: https://mx.usembassy.gov/ Calle 3 Sur s/n, Lote 8, Villa Tulum, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Tel. +52 984 124 0830

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Medical Center Av. Gonzalo , Mza 13 01, Lt 01 entre Calle y Police, Medical, Fire: 911 or 066 Punta Piedra,, 77780 Tulum, QROO, Mexico Tel. +52 984 806 4616 Hours: M-S 8 am to 8 pm Sunday: 8 am to 3 p

The information in this guide has been gathered from public sources, is for informational purposes only, and is not vetted, endorsed or guaranteed by Pathways to Safety International. Pathways to Safety International is not rendering legal advice by making this guide available, is not a law enforcement agency, and does not engage in law enforcement activity. If you have any legal questions or concerns, you should consult a qualified legal or other professional that can consider the particulars of your specific case. Pathways to Safety International reserves the right to change or make corrections to this guide at any time, and will not be liable for any errors, inaccuracy or omissions contained herein. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: TULUM, MEXICO 5

REFERENCES

1 Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2010-2014 (2015). 2 West Virginia University. “Tips for Prevention.” WELLWU. April 6, 2017. Accessed: November 21, 2017. https://well.wvu.edu/resources/sexual-assault/ tips-for-prevention. 3 U.S. Department of Women’s Health. ‘“Date rape drugs.” April 28, 2017. Accessed: November 21, 2017. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/ (4). Tulum: Culture. (2016). Retrieved May 2, 2019, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150813-s202/Tulum:Mexico:Culture.html (5).Lonely Planet. (n.d.). Tulum: Culture. Retrieved May 2, 2019, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150813-s202/Tulum:Mexico:Culture.html (6). Lonely Planet. (n.d.). LGBT Travellers in Tulum, Mexico. Retrieved May 2, 2019, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/tulum/practical-infor- mation/directory/lgbt-travellers/a/nar/e8267b9b-9038-4818-b585-8a63bd7f49f7/361702 (7). Crime in Tulum. (2019, April). Retrieved May 2, 2019, from https://www.numbeo.com/crime/in/Tulum-Mexico (8). Lonely Planet. (n.d.). Women Travellers in Tulum, Mexico. Retrieved May 2, 2019, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/tulum/practical-in- formation/directory/women-travellers/a/nar/20c67a1f-0790-440c-b74d-37ab88046981/361702 (9).Worrell, M. (n.d.). Mexico: Clinics and Organizations. Retrieved May 2, 2019, from https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/4926/mexico--clin- ics-and-organizations (10). Plowright, T. (2018, May 28). Know the Rules When It Comes to Drinking Age in Mexico. Retrieved May 2, 2019, from https://www.tripsavvy.com/ drinking-age-in-mexico-3267071 (11). CARM Tours and Transfers. (n.d.). STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT USING DRUGS IN CANCUN, MEXICO. Retrieved May 2, 2019, from https://www.cancunan- drivieramaya.com/drugs-in-cancun.asp (12). CARM Tours and Transfers. (n.d.). STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT USING DRUGS IN CANCUN, MEXICO. Retrieved May 2, 2019, from https://www.cancunan- drivieramaya.com/drugs-in-cancun.asp