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https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=76025

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Kuwait Harassment Incidents
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Middle East / N. Africa - Kuwait
20 Nov 2007

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APRIL 2007 NEWSLETTER
U.S. Embassy Kuwait released the following Warden Message on November 20:

The Embassy would like to highlight two recent incidents in Kuwait and recommend how to handle similar situations:

Incident 1 - Recently, an American spouse was at the Carrefour store at the Avenues Mall when she was harassed by an Arab male making inappropriate comments. The spouse departed the store to avoid the harassment and was followed by the man to her vehicle who tried to enter it. The spouse was not hurt during the attempted vehicle entry and the she departed the area.

Recommended action: In a case as this, attempt to contact the store management or security personnel or go to an area where there are cashiers or other patrons. Do not go to a location where there are no other people (the parking garage) or lead the individual to your vehicle.

Incident 2 - An American observed what appeared to be an Arab male harassing females walking. The American stopped his car to assist the women, which enraged the Arab male, who then chased him with his vehicle. The American was cut off by the Arab male, at which time the American exited his vehicle to engage in conversation. The Arab male reversed his vehicle and drove over the American, breaking his leg.

Recommended Action: Although the American acted with a great degree of chivalry, there is no upside to getting involved in a situation like this. It is better to report the behavior and location to the authorities, stay in your vehicle, get a license plate number and physical description of the vehicle and driver, and never attempt to engage the other party.

Here are several best practices you can use to help stay safe while living in Kuwait:

Keep your car windows closed and doors locked when driving, and always leave room to maneuver your vehicle in traffic, not allowing yourself to be blocked in.

Always let someone know your travel plans if you are traveling alone, including what time you expect to return and how they can reach you.

Carry your cell phone and keep it where it is quickly available (do not use it while driving).

Have several contact numbers pre-programmed into your phone so you can call in the event of an emergency. Dial 777 for Kuwaiti police and emergency services.

If confronted by a stranger while driving, remain in your vehicle; this will provide a considerable level of safety and mobility.

If you believe you are being followed, DO NOT DRIVE TO YOUR HOME; go to a safe area such as a police station or a public area such as a mall. Make noise and draw attention to yourself to ward off suspicious persons. On your next trip to a place you go frequently, take note of where you might go if you were being followed. Playing the “what if” game could save your life and will give you something to do while sitting in traffic.

If someone approaches you claiming to be a police officer, ask for identification. Even when shown ID, remain vigilant.

If told to go with someone to a police station, insist on going in your own car and following the officer. Use your mobile phone to call someone and tell them to meet you at the station; also provide the police car license number to your contact, especially if it is an unmarked vehicle.

It is important to remember most criminal or terrorist activity begins with some type of surveillance. This surveillance may last a few seconds (purse snatching) or months (planning an attack on a building). Pay attention to your surroundings at all times, especially when entering/exiting your vehicle. Mentally record license plate numbers and physical descriptions of suspicious persons or vehicles, and use your camera phone or digital camera if possible to document suspicious persons or vehicles in Kuwait. Common sense will go a long way to keep you safe. If a situation does not seem right, attempt to get away and call for help. Your personal security takes priority, but if you are safely able to record information of harassing or suspicious individuals, this can greatly aid investigative efforts.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Consular Information Sheet for Bahrain, and Travel Warnings 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. and Canada 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)

American citizens with any questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at 259-1581, 259-1583 or 259-1240. In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer by calling 259-1001.

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov
American citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Warden Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: joinwardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com

American citizens residing and visiting in Kuwait who are not registered with the Embassy, or whose registration information has changed, are urged to register as soon as possible. They may now do so on-line at the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp

American citizens also may register in person by coming with their passport to the American Citizen Services Unit, Consular Section, from 9 AM to 11 AM and from 1 PM to 3 PM on Sunday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; on Mondays from 1 PM to 3 PM; and on the first Sunday of each month from 5 PM to 7 PM.

Please note that the Consular Section is closed for American and most local holidays. The current list of holiday schedule for the year 2007, may be viewed via the link below: http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html