Know Before You Go
HAITI A Guide to Keep You Safe Abroad provided by: Pathways to Safety International
Updated May 2019 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: HAITI 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: 1. Use the buddy system and travel with friends. 7 out of 10 2. Be aware of social and cultural norms. For example, looking at someone in rapes are the eyes when you speak to them is perfectly normal in the U.S., but in committed another country that could signify you’re interested in the person. by someone known to the 3. Recognize controlling behavior when entering a relationship. Most rape victim1 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 social settings and places.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG AWARENESS: • Always watch your drink being poured and carry it yourself, even to the bathroom. • “Drug-facilitated sexual assault drugs,” also referred to as club drugs or roofies may turn your drink slightly salty, bright blue, or cloudy. Effects such as distorted judgment, loss sense of time, sight, sound, identity, and overall consciousness can be felt within 15 minutes and may last up to 4 hours.3 • Haiti’s legal drinking age is 16.4 Locals, including teenagers, commonly drink Kleren or Clairin, a prevalent homemade rum. However, hundreds of deaths have been reported from consuming a cheaper version of the spirit mixed with methanol.5 CULTURAL INFORMATION: Major Religions: Roman Catholic (official) 54.7%, Protestant 28.5%, voodoo (official) 2.1%, other 4.6%, none 10.2%6 Legal System: Haiti has adopted the French civil law system with a judicial system that is divided into four levels of courts. The Courts of First Instance are often where civil and criminal cases are initially heard.7 Social/Cultural Norms: Many Haitians do not trust political authorities or professionals due to ongoing oppression and exploitation. Haitians may express themselves in bolder and louder ways, which may be interpreted as anger or rude to non-Haitian people. If working with Haitian families, it is culturally appropriate for parents to use physical punishment to discipline their children.8 Gender Equality: In the 2018 United Nations Human Development Report, Haiti ranked 168th out of 189 countries ranked on gender inequality in three categories: reproductive health, empowerment, and labor markets.9 While women have some legal protections from workplace discrimination and gender based violence, in practice women often face discrimination, violence, and exclusion from public life.10 Gender violence is widespread but particularly among young girls, those displaced since the 2010 earthquake, and those who identify as LGBTQ.11 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: HAITI 3
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND THE LAW: Haitian Context Haiti does not have specific laws regarding rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, or similar forms of violence. A 2005 case reclassified rape from “an offense against morals” to a criminal offense. There is no definition of rape nor any clear requirements of consent. Additionally, spousal rape is not recognized as a crime. Victims of sexual assault crimes will likely have difficulty reporting to the police as they very rarely cooperate or follow through with reports without a bribe. In one instance, a woman was raped by two men. When she attempted to report the assault to the police, she was forced to pay a bribe only for the police officer to file a report saying she had a complaint against a man, not that she had been raped. This is often the case in with police officers failing to work with victims and take their crimes seriously.12
If You Experience Sexual Assault… LGBTQ CONCERNS Don’t blame yourself! Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. You may be unsure of how to proceed, and that’s okay. First, Although homosexuality itself is legal in Haiti, consider taking the following actions: members of the LGBTQ community are often targeted for harassment, discrimination or 1. If you are in a safe place, call someone you trust to be with you. If physical attacks. There are no laws in Haiti you are not safe, call someone you trust to come and get you. which protect LGBTQ individuals from discrim- 2. Do self-collection of evidence. Put all of the clothes you were wear- ination.14 Due to fears of discrimination and ing, bed sheets, and so on in a paper bag. If you have any injuries, violence, there is not an open LGBTQ presence take pictures. If there is semen present, collect what you can and in Haiti.15 For these reasons, LGBTQ travelers in put it in the paper bag. Haiti should exercise caution. 3. Call a Pathways Advocate internationally toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can help you through the ordeal, honoring your decisions. (See Resources for contact information) EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC), POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PEP), AND ABORTION INFORMATION
MEDICAL CARE AND REPORTING Q: Are emergency contraception and SEXUAL ASSAULT IN HAITI post-exposure prophylaxis available? A: HIV and AIDS cases have the highest prev- Due to a rise in kidnappings, murders and rapes in 2016, the U.S. alence in Haiti out of all countries in the Department of State warns citizens to consider the risks of trav- Caribbean region. The International Planned eling to Haiti due to it’s current unsafe conditions and lack of Parenthood Foundation administers STI sufficient medical facilities. It is recommended that you do not tests if you feel you have come in contact share travel plans with strangers and are cautious while visiting with a sexually transmitted disease. PEP may banks and ATMs. Haitian authorities are responsible for investi- be available but it is scarce.16 gating and prosecuting crime. Unfortunately this can be difficult Q: Is abortion legal in Haiti? for victims as police are often unwilling to cooperate or take A: Abortions are illegal in Haiti and laws crimes seriously. Specifically in cases of sexual assault or LBGTQ surrounding them are extremely strict. Any issues. U.S. citizen victims of crime are advised to contact the person performing or receiving an abortion police before notifying the U.S. Embassy. However, if you have is subject to imprisonment whether con- experienced domestic violence you may contact the US sent is given or not. Medical professionals Embassy for assistance. The U.S. Embassy cannot provide legal performing abortions may be punished with assistance to American citizens in Haiti. For assistance with forced labor. Abortions may be permitted to any legal issues in Haiti, you are strongly encouraged to hire a save the life of a pregnant woman, but this Haitian lawyer.13 legal right is not guaranteed.17 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: HAITI 4
RESOURCES PATHWAYS TO SAFETY INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION Crisis Line: There is currently no AT&T country access Tel: +44(0)20 7939 8200 code for Haiti. To contact our crisis center, please set up Website: https://www.profamilhaiti.org a collect call by dialing 000-1 and then enter our phone Tel: 509.28.11.04.11 / 509.28.11.04.12 / 509.28.11.04.13 number: 833-SAFE-833 (833-723-3833)
Crisis Email: Connect with a Pathways Advocate via email HOSPITALS (English Speaking Physicians): at [email protected]. All crisis emails will General Practitioner, Michel Théard be responded to within 24 hours. *For immediate help, 2941-4545; 2946-4545 3457-45; 3749-4545 please call our crisis line. #31 Ave. Charles Sumner, P-au-P
Live Chat: Pathways online chat service is available 24/7 INFECTIOUS DISEASES/ STI / HIV /AIDS on our website at pathwaystosafety.org/get-help-now/ Patrice D. Sévère Cell: 3401-5963 3, Rue Camille Léon, P-au-P 33, US EMBASSY Boulevard Harry Truman P-au-P U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince Boulevard du 15 Octobre, Port-au-Prince, Haiti OB/GYN Tel: 011-509-2229-8000 Florence Burr-Reynaud Hour: Monday - Friday, 7:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Cell: 3743-1912 After Hours Emergencies: 011-509-2229-8122 # 10 Ruelle St. Cyr Website: https://ht.usembassy.gov UMO, Port-au-Prince #5, Rue Chavannes P.V Email: [email protected]
RAPE CRISIS CENTERS KOFAVIV (Commission of Women Victims for Victims): PHARMACY Dial 572 to reach the crisis line. Pharmacie Chante Brise Open 24/7 460 Rte de Delmas, entre Delmas 56& 58. Tel: 3991-7292; or 2516-6496 UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency) http://photos.state.gov/libraries/haiti/231771/PDFs/ Tel: 1 202 296 5191 LOCAL%20ENGLISH%20SPEAKING%20PHYSICIANS.pdf Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 - 17:00 Website: http://www.unhcr.org/haiti.html POLICE BARCC (Boston Area Rape Crisis Center) Dial 114 to contact the police (equivalent to 911) 24-hour hotline: 800.841.8371 **due to poor phone service this number is not al- Website: http://www.barcc.org/help/haiti ways working or available.
RED CROSS Main Phone: 1 800 RED CROSS ( 1-800-733-2767) National Headquarters Staff Directory: 202-303-5214 Public Inquiry: 202-303-4498 (M–F, 8am to 5pm EST)
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: HAITI 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/date-rape-drugs 4 ChartsBin statistics collector team 2009, Minimum Legal Age for Drinking Alcohol around the World, ChartsBin.com, viewed 26th June, 2017,