aspe assist

Loss or Theft of Important Documents

Grantees are advised to keep scanned copies of their passports and main documents in their e-mail / cloud accounts.

If a theft occurs in the country:

• Cancel all stolen credit and debit cards.
• Inform the Commission about the loss or theft.
• Make sure to go to the nearest police station to report the loss or theft (file a denuncia) .
  • Upon submitting the necessary declaration, you need to make sure you are given a receipt, which will be required later for the re-issuing of your TIE, other documents, and potential reimbursement.
  • In the case that your passport has been stolen, send an email to the U.S. Embassy at askACS@state.gov requesting an emergency appointment. If you have immediate travel plans you can go directly to the Embassy 8am-1pm Monday-Friday (not local or US holidays). At the same time that you apply for a new passport, you will report the old one as lost or stolen to the U.S. authorities.
• If your TIE has been stolen (or lost), file a denuncia and email your main contact at the Commission regarding instructions on how to get a new TIE.

   

If you are out of the country:

• Cancel all stolen credit and debit cards.
• Visit the nearest U.S. Embassy / Consulate to report the loss or theft and to apply for an emergency passport if it was stolen.
• Inform the Commission about the loss or theft

Sexual Harassment 

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for a sexual favor, or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It may include behaviors such as: unwanted deliberate touching or pinching; unwanted sexual looks and gestures; unwanted pressure for dates; unwanted sexual teasing or jokes; inappropriate questions of a sexual nature; inappropriate discussions of a sexual nature at work; pornography in your school or work place; being followed or stalked.

Please be aware that behaviors that might be construed as sexual harassment in the U.S. are not necessarily considered as such in Spain. This may be due in part to cultural differences, unfamiliarity with or confusion over cultural signs and cues, or lack of fluency in the language of communication (for example, two kisses as a greeting – even with superiors, and less personal space). While you should be cognizant of this and may want to check in with a local if you are not sure whether an interaction was actually inappropriate or uncomfortable to cultural differences, do not sacrifice your personal safety, security, or comfort zone. Set limits for what is acceptable to you and try to be consistent. If someone is being persistent, be assertive and insist on being treated with respect.

Response to sexual harassment allegation:

• The situation will be discussed with the grantee, and if the grantee decides to initiate legal procedures, the Commission will take the necessary steps to assist.
• If the grantee is in immediate danger and needs to be taken to a safe place, he/she should report to his/her host institution supervisor if the harassment is occurring at the place of work/study.
• If the situation is such that the grantee feels like suspending his/her program, the circumstances will be discussed with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
• The Commission, in cooperation with ECA and the U.S. Embassy, will provide a professional counsellor or other advisor to assist the grantee.

Sexual Assault

A sexual assault or rape attempt can occur without warning. The unpredictable nature of these attacks makes precise safety planning difficult. There are, however, procedures you can follow to protect yourself. Some of them are common to all physical attacks and are outlined in the terrorism and physical attack section below.

If you are sexually assaulted, you should follow the guidelines below:

1. If you are in a public place, scream and yell for help from passersby.
2. Get to a safe place as soon as possible.
3. Once you are out of danger, call a friend to take you home or go to their place.
4. Call the 112 emergency hotline and ask for medical attention, or go to an emergency room or arrange to see a doctor as soon as possible, but at least within 24 hours of the assault. You may have hidden injuries and may want to explore options for preventing pregnancy (if applicable) or sexually transmitted diseases. Even if you choose not to report the case, you should still seek medical attention.
5. Inform the Commission about the attack and your current condition as soon as possible. They will help determine the best option for getting medical attention at your location. If you feel comfortable doing so, you should also reach out to your project mentor/supervisor or other colleagues as their experience and local contacts will help you get the most timely and adequate response.
6. Do not shower, bathe, or wash your clothes. The police may be able to obtain evidence which can help identify the attacker later. If you must change your clothes before seeking help, place them (including undergarments) in a sealed bag to preserve evidence.
7. Once at the police station, share as many details about the assault as possible. The police will provide a translator in the event that you do not have the necessary language skills and have not brought a friend or acquaintance with you. Ask for a copy of the police report and make sure you have the name and contact information of your case officer. You also have the right to decide to report the case but to refuse to give evidence or press charges. In this case, you will be required to sign a form confirming your decision at the police station.

Sexual assault can be an extremely traumatic experience which can have serious emotional, psychological, physical, and even financial effects. We strongly recommend that you contact Fulbright ASSIST (24/7 Hotline: +1-813-666-0012) and/ or a local therapist. Previous grantees and other young Americans have used Sinews, a multilingual clinic located in the center of Madrid. Sinews offers several English-speaking therapists, and the website includes their specializations, profiles, etc. You can also email them to arrange a therapy session via videocall if you are not placed in Madrid.

Another resource is RAINN, which operates the U.S. National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (+1 800 656-4673). They also have a live chat that you can use. Both the hotline and chat are available 24/7. While the Commission has had no experience with grantees using RAINN, it is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S.

Physical Attack

A violent attack by (an) assailant(s) such as muggings, stabbings, and other types of physical attacks can occur without warning. The unpredictable nature of physical attacks makes precise safety planning difficult. There are, however, procedures you can follow to protect yourself:

• If you know where the assailant is and there appears to be an escape route available to you, attempt to escape only if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
• If you are outdoors, remain aware of your surroundings. If you sense danger, move to a place of safety as soon as you can.
• If you are indoors when (an) assailant(s) threatens and you cannot leave safely, close, lock, and/or block all points of entry (doors and windows), using heavy furniture if necessary. Stay away from the door(s) and/or windows, turn off the lights, silence your phone, and hide in a safe place.
• If the assailant(s) enters your room and then leaves, do not make your presence known, but be sure to lock or barricade the door after they exit.
• Do not play the hero. Fight back only as a last resort. If you are being robbed, remember that your documents and belongings can be replaced, but your health and your life cannot.
• Remain calm and call the police at 112 as soon as it is safe to do so. It is important to report as much as possible about the assailant. You should also provide information about your location, the number of assailants, nature of the attack, if any weapons were used, and if there are any injuries to yourself or others.
• Wait for the police to arrive and stay in a secure area. Remain in the safest possible location until the police advise that the incident has been resolved to the point that you can leave the area (this might take a long time, so be patient and remain calm).
• Inform the Commission about the attack and your current condition as soon as you are in a safe location.

Car Accident

If you want to rent a car during your grant period, be sure to:

• Make certain that the car is covered by insurance.
• Have all necessary documents including a comprehensive motor insurance policy and the license of the car with you.
• Make sure to ask what to do in case of an accident (wear a fluorescent vest if you leave the car, put up an emergency triangle, etc.) and collect all the contact numbers of the car rental company. 
• as you are in a safe location.

Some General Advice:

• Keep important documents (or digital copies) on you.
• Keep your cell phones charged and carry your battery charger with you at all times.
• Do not hesitate to ask for help when and where it is needed.