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https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=69223

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Warden Message: Damascus Sexual Harassment Incidents
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Middle East / N. Africa - Syria
6 Jun 2007

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U.S. Embassy Damascus issued the following Warden Message on June 6, 2007:

Generally speaking, Damascus enjoys a relatively low crime rate. However, the Embassy has recently received several reports of incidents of physical sexual harassment against foreign women around Damascus. We are sharing this information with the American community in order to improve security awareness.

Two incidents in the past week involved women walking alone, either in the early morning or early evening. Another incident occurred several months ago when two women were walking together in one of the tunnels crossing underneath the Autostrad near Damascus University.

Over the last several years, there have also been two reported cases of female Embassy employees being fondled by taxi drivers while in the cab.

Though none of these cases went beyond the stage of grabbing or groping, they were understandably upsetting for the victims and they highlight several good points to remember:

By and large, Damascus enjoys a low crime rate. However, Damascus is a city of about seven million inhabitants and crimes do occur.

Walk with a friend if possible. If walking alone, avoid deserted areas. Don’t assume because you are close to home that this type of incident cannot happen. In both recent cases, the victims were close to home, although alone at the time.

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department’s web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Syria are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Damascus through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov , so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Syria. Americans in Syria without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Damascus.