PANAMA a Guide to Keep You Safe Abroad Provided By: Pathways to Safety International

Know Before You Go

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

Updated May 2019 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: PANAMA 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 • Panama’s legal drinking age is 18. While there are fines for violating the law, there is little enforcement by authorities.4 Be cautious during regional festivities called patronales as binge drinking and dancing is a popular way to celebrate in many towns and cities.5 CULTURAL INFORMATION: Major Religions: 85% Catholic, 15% Protestant6 Legal System: Panama has a three-branch civil law system consisting of an executive, legislative, and judicial branch.7 Local municipalities have the same structure.8

Social/Cultural Norms: The center of Panamanian life is family and people typically refrain from involving themselves with the personal matters of others. Traditional gender roles are very prevalent and machismo culture is prominent. People take pride in their personal presentation and are very concerned with their hygiene, clothing, and appearance. Physical contact is generally limited to the family, thus keeping a fair distance during conversation is the norm.9

Gender Equality: In the 2018 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, Panama ranked 45th out of 149 countries in terms of gender equality, compared to the United States which ranked 51st. While educational attainment and literacy rates are fairly equal, data shows that women have less economic opportunity. Panama ranks 105th in labor force participation and women on average make 40% less than men annually.10 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: PANAMA 3

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND THE LAW: Panamanian Context Sexual Assault is outlined in Book Two, Title III of the Penal Code of the Republic of Panama with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. It clearly includes spousal rape, male victims, and juveniles. Article 174 states that perpetrators who commit any sexual act without consent or by intimidation or violence will be sentenced to prison for one to six years. Article 326 declares that any perpetrators part of a gang rape will be sentenced to prison for 7-14 years.11

LGBTQ CONCERNS If You Experience Sexual Assault… LGBTQ rights in Panama are some of the worst Don’t blame yourself! Sexual assault is never the fault of the in Latin America. Homosexuality was legalized victim. You may be unsure of how to proceed, and that’s okay. First, in 2008, but same-sex marriage and unions consider taking the following actions: are still unrecognized. There are no protec- tions preventing discrimination against LGBTQ 1. If you are in a safe place, call someone you trust to be with you. If people.13 78% of citizens are still opposed to you are not safe, call someone you trust to come and get you. legalizing same-sex marriage.14 Police officers 2. Do self-collection of evidence. Put all of the clothes you were wear- have a history of harassing LGBTQ individuals, ing, bed sheets, and so on in a paper bag. If you have any injuries, so it may not be safe to report an assault to take pictures. If there is semen present, collect what you can and the police. That being said, social acceptance put it in the paper bag. of LGBTQ people is slightly higher than the law 3. Call a Pathways Advocate internationally toll free, 24 hours a day, and it is generally safe for LGBTQ individuals to 7 days a week. They can help you through the ordeal, honoring your travel in urban areas of Panama.15 decisions. (See Resources for contact information)

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC), MEDICAL CARE AND REPORTING POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PEP), SEXUAL ASSAULT IN PANAMA AND ABORTION INFORMATION To report a sexual assault in Panama, it is recommended that Q: Are emergency contraception and victims contact the local police in order to get immediate help, post-exposure prophylaxis available? report the incident, and obtain an official police report. The U.S. A: Emergency contraception is available in Embassy can assist victims with translating, coordinating with some Panamanian pharmacies.16,17 There are the local police, and accessing appropriate medical care. Accord- no HIV prophylaxis treatments in use in ing to the 2016 Human Rights Report, violence against women the country at this time.18 was a problem within the country The government generally implemented criminal aspects of the law better than protection Q: Is abortion legal in Panama? aspects of the law. Rapes constituted the majority of sexual A: Abortion is illegal in Panama except in cases crimes investigated by the PNP and its Directorate of Judicial In- where there is a health risk to the mother. vestigation. Furthermore, NGOs reported that many women were Allowances are also made in cases of rape reluctant to report rapes due to fear of retaliation, perceived and incest, but only in the first trimester low likelihood of a response, and social stigmas. Take caution if after an extensive investigation. Cases must you choose to report a crime and be sure to notify the Embassy be tried in court and remain on public in addition to the local police.12 record. Legal abortion can only happen in government hospitals.19 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: PANAMA 4

RESOURCES PATHWAYS TO SAFETY INTERNATIONAL SEXUAL HEALTH RESOURCES Panama Family Planning Association Crisis Line: To call our confidential, toll-free International Edificio 1001 C y D, Frente al Consultado de EUA Crisis Line, first dial the country specific AT&T access Panamá 5, Panama code for Panama: 800-0109, Spanish: 800-2288. Then, Tel: (507) 317-0429, 317-0429, 317-0430, at the prompt, enter our phone number: 833-SAFE-833 Email: [email protected] (833-723-3833) CRIME COMPENSATION Crisis Email: Connect with a Pathways Advocate via email Crime Victim Assistance Program at [email protected]. All crisis emails will Tel: 262-1973, 512-2222 be responded to within 24 hours. *For immediate help, please call our crisis line. HOSPITALS Live Chat: Pathways online chat service is available 24/7 San Fernando Hospital Clinic on our website at pathwaystosafety.org/get-help-now/ Vía España, Panama City Tel: 305-6305 U.S. EMBASSIES/CONSULATES San Fernando Coronado Clinic U.S. Embassy Panama Tel: 240-1646 Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas, Building No.783, Sun-Fri: 6:00am to 9:00pm, Saturday: 24 hours Clayton, Panama Website: www.hospitalsanfernando.com/www/en/ Tel: + (507) 317-5000 san-fernando-clinic-coronado Email: [email protected] Hospital Punta Pacífica Ave. Balboa and 53rd Street, Panama City U.S. Consulate in Panama Tel: 204-8000 Tel: 317-5332 / After-hours Emergencies: 317-5200 Website: www.hospitalpuntapacifica.com/ Regional Security Officer: 317-5160 Website: http://panama.usembassy.gov/ National Hospital - Panama City Avenida Cuba, Streets 38 and 39 Bella Vista Tel: +507-306-3300, +507-207-8100 EMERGENCY NUMBERS Website: www.hospitalnacional.com/index.html Ambulance: Social Security: 503-2532 America Doctor’s Office Red Cross: *455 Vía Espańa, Carrasquilla National Police: 104, 511-9260 Tel: 507-229-4388 Tourist Police: 511-9260 Website: http://www.consultoriosamerica.net Bocas del Toro Police Station: 758-8279 Chiriquí Police Station: 730-3728 / 730-4797 REPORTING ASSISTANCE Colón Police Station: 475-7033 National Directorate of Judicial Investigation Calle Arnoldo Walter & Calle DIJ, Panamá Tel: +507 512-2222

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: PANAMA 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 “Minimum Legal Age Limits.” International Alliance for Responsible Drinking. Accessed: June 22, 2017. http://www.iard.org/policy-tables/minimum-legal-age-limits/. 5 Revista. “Panamanian Culture.” Accessed June 22, 2017. https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/book/panamanian-culture 6 Aguilar-Alfu, Alvaro and Kedar Reddy. “UPDATE: A Guide to Panama’s Legal System and Research.” GlobaLex. December 2013. Accessed: June 13, 2017. http://nyulawglobal.org/globalex/Panama1.html. 7 “The World Factbook.” Central Intelligence Agency. June 21, 2018. Accessed: June 22, 2017. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pm.html. 8 Aguilar-Alfu, Alvaro and Kedar Reddy. “A Guide to Panama’s Legal System and Research.”GlobaLex. December 2011. Accessed: June 22, 2017. http://www.nyulawglobal. org/globalex/Panama.html 9 “Top 10 Things to Know About Panamanian Culture.” Habla Ya Panama. March 24, 2015. Accessed: June 22, 2017. https://www.hablayapanama.com/blog/2015/03/top-10- things-to-know-about-panamanian-culture/ 10 “Global Gender Gap Index 2017.” World Economic Forum. 2017, http://reports.weforum.org/global-gender-gap-report-2018/data-explorer/#economy=PAN 11 “Código Penal de la República de Panamá.” WIPO. May 18, 2007. Accessed: June 20, 2017. http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=189273#LinkTarget_946. 12 U.S. Department of State. Panama 2016 Human Rights Report. Accessed on June 18, 2017. https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/265816.pdf 13 “LGBT Rights in Panama.” Equaldex. Accessed: June 20, 2017. http://www.equaldex.com/region/panama 14 Nicanor Alvarado. Univision Noticias. “Panamá discute la legalización del matrimonio gay: ¿será el primer país en aprobarlo en Centroamérica?” Jun 06, 2017. Accessed: June 20, 2017. http://www.univision.com/noticias/america-latina/panama-discute-la-legalizacion-del-matrimonio-gay-sera-el-primer-pais-en-aprobarlo-en-centroamerica 15 “Are Gays, Lesbians, and Others in the LGBT Community Accepted in Panama?” Best Places to Retire. 2017. Accessed: June 20, 2017. https://bestplacesintheworldtore- tire.com/ questions-and-answers/1407-are-gays-lesbians-and-others-in-the-lgbt-community-accepted-in panama 16 Prestán, Gina. “La píldora femenina conflictiva.” Panamá América. August 18, 2016. Accessed: June 20, 2017. http://www.panamaamerica.com.pa/ey/la-pildora-femenin- aconflictiva-1039234. 17 “Normas Técnicas - Administrativas y Protocolos de Atención.” Ministerio de Salud Panamá. 2015. Accessed: June 20, 2017. http://www.minsa.gob.pa/sites/default/ files/programas/normas_tecnica_administrativas_del_programa_de_salud_integral_de_la_mujer.pdf. 18 Berger, Stephen. Infectious Diseases of Panama: 2017 Edition. GIDEON Informatics, Inc.2017. Accessed: June 20, 2017. https://books.google.com/books?id=ID0WDgAAQ- BAJ&pg=PA2&lpg=PA2&dq=Berger,+Stephen.+Infectious+Diseases+of+Panama:+2017+Edition.+GIDEON+Informatics,&source=bl&ots=woG2_cINfe&sig=sEts9Rsl2DVHoOwx- DcO-fqtUxD4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi67Z7D45jVAhVJ1WMKHQxCAUoQ6AEIKzAC#v=onepage&q=Berger%2C%20Stephen.%20Infectious%20Diseases%20of%20Pana- ma%3A%202017%20Edition.%20GIDEON%20Informatics%2C&f=false 19 “Termination of Pregnancy and Abortion in Panama.” Angloinfo. Accessed: June 20, 2017. https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/panama/panama-city/healthcare/pregnancy-birth/terminationabortion