Greece seen as dangerous travel destination for British women

Greece is proving to be one of the most dangerous holiday destinations in the world for British women. Recent police reports show that 41 British women have been raped this past summer alone and police in Athens have confirmed that the number of rapes is higher than it has ever been. Only three million Brits travel to Greece annually, yet the most recent figures suggest that more British women are becoming victims of rape in this southeast European country than in Spain, which welcomes a staggering 17 million UK passport holders each year. What is even more problematic for Greece is the likelihood that the number of rapes this summer is probably higher than 41, as an unnamed Greek police officer told The Mirror that only a quarter of all victims actually come forth and file a report.

Officials at the British High Commission have pointed out that the number of rapes stood at 39 for all of 2007, while a decade ago this figure was closer to 17. The UK Foreign Office, however, is now clearly trying to do something about this disturbing trend and it has launched a widespread information campaign. The main goal is to make Britons more aware about the danger of date rape drugs which can be secretly placed inside alcoholic beverages at bars and night clubs. The Foreign Office is also trying to warn Britons to keep in mind that they should be careful when consuming soft drinks and hot beverages, since it is possible to place drugs in these as well, and not only in spirits.

Greek police officials, however, told journalists that one of the problems is excessive drinking on the part of British tourists and also noted that Greek islands are characterized by many deserted beaches, which can be dangerous for female tourists.

Thank you to Mike Dowdney of The Mirror for the initial report.