Sexual Assault and Rape

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Remember it was not your fault. Rape and sexual assault is always wrong – no matter who commits it or where it happens. It is traumatic and it can affect you both physically and emotionally. Do not be afraid to get help. We are here to help you navigate your options regardless of whether you choose to report the rape or sexual assault to the police or not. This information is provided to assist you with making informed decisions about whether and how to:

  • seek medical advice and attention
  • report to local police
  • engage with Bulgarian legal authorities following a rape or other form of sexual assault overseas

First Steps

If you need emergency assistance and/or want to report a crime, call 112 (24/7).
If you are calling from a Bulgarian phone number, you may need to wait to be transferred to an English-speaking operator. If you are calling from an international phone number, your call will be directed to an English-speaking operator automatically.

Embassy staff will be empathetic and non-judgmental and can provide information on local police and medical procedures. Anything you tell them will be treated in the strictest confidence. They can contact your family or friends for you if you wish.

Tel. +359 (2) 937-5101 (24/7)
Tel.: +359 (2) 937 5100 (from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on business days)
You can also email acs_sofia@state.gov if you think that it is safer for you to not talk on the phone or receive calls back at this time. Please note that we monitor this mailbox during working hours only.

Your safety is important. If you are in immediate danger, call 112.
There is no wrong or right way to feel or react. As the body and mind process the devastation of violence, many different emotions, behaviors, and physical responses appear and disappear and may reappear. Get help now.

Reporting the crime

If you choose to report the incident to the police, we will send a consular professional accompany you where timing and location allow. If you prefer to be interviewed by female police officer, we can request that from the local authorities. We can also provide a list of local lawyers. However, only you can decide if you want to take legal action: we cannot make this decision for you. Whatever you choose, we will support you.

Reporting the crime to the local police does not hold any risks for you. That is why the police work in co-operation with a number of crisis centers and shelters. Extramarital sex, homosexuality and use of alcohol are not considered criminal offences in Bulgaria. You will not be asked to surrender your passport while the investigation is carried out.

If you choose to report the crime, try to do so as soon as possible, so forensic evidence can be retained. Washing yourself or your clothes may make it difficult for the police to obtain forensic evidence. If you change your clothes, think about taking those you were wearing to the police. You may wish to preserve evidence by retaining items such as condoms, toothbrushes, or texts.

In most large cities in Bulgaria, there are male and female police officers trained in dealing with sexual assault cases. If they are not fluent in English, an interpreter will be called to go to the police station to assist. Insist you get a copy of the police report and request a translation in English, if applicable.

You will need to provide information about your identity and details of the incident, including:

  • If you think you were drugged
  • if there was sexual intercourse (if yes, was it forceful)
  • if you have sustained injuries
  • description of the crime scene (time of incident, location, if known, vehicles, etc.)
  • description of the attacker

The medical examination: what to expect
The police will send you to a forensic doctor. As this exam is requested by the public prosecutor, the victim pays no fee. Normally rape/sexual assault charges cannot be filed without an exam unless there is other supporting evidence. Review the list of local doctors if you would like to get further treatment or tests. Emergency contraception is available in Bulgaria at pharmacies and can be bought without a prescription.

It is your choice whether to report the crime. If you don’t report it, your case may not be investigated. We are here to assist you regardless of whether you want to report it to the police or not. We can help you with information about resources for crime victims in Bulgaria and in the United States, getting medical assistance as well as providing Consular services like financial assistance to get back home, contacting your family if you wish so and much more.

If you don’t report it immediately but decide to report at a later stage, your case may not be investigated if there is a lack of forensic evidence.

If you decide not to report the crime to the local police, you will still be able to get medical assistance locally. Depending on the choice of the medical facility, charges for the forensic examination may apply.

Your safety is important. If you are in immediate danger, call 112.
There is no wrong or right way to feel or react. As the body and mind process the devastation of violence, many different emotions, behaviors, and physical responses appear and disappear and may reappear. Get help now.

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This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

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