The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published its annual British Behaviour Abroad Report 2013, which gives details of how consular staff helped over 19,000 Brits abroad.
In total there was a 3% drop in the amount of assistance the FCO gave, although in many countries the year-on-year figure shot up.
India, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates all saw an increase in serious incidents likes arrests and hospitalisations. Overall, drug offences were down to their lowest level in four years and general arrest were also down 21% on the 2009/10 figure.
However, over the 2012/13 period 6,000 Brits died abroad and rape and sexual offences increased by 10% on 2011/12. The three countries with the largest number of sexual offence cases were Spain, Turkey and Greece.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister Mark Simmonds, said: “I am deeply concerned to see an increase in the number of reported rape and sexual assault cases involving British people. The priority for our consular staff is the safety and wellbeing of British travellers and we will continue to work, including with other governments and tour operators, to help to prevent further cases and provide all possible support for victims. This support includes explaining local procedures, accompanying people to the police station, helping them deal with local authorities and medical staff and contacting friends and family at home if that is wanted.
“I am proud that our staff continue to offer vital support to thousands of British travellers and residents around the world. Each case can represent great distress for the individuals concerned and for their families. I encourage all British travellers to do everything they can to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip by taking some basic steps to prepare themselves before departure, including taking out comprehensive travel insurance and researching their destination.
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