Recently, a young female Indian international student shared a deeply troubling post in a community Facebook group. She wrote of being verbally harassed and subjected to sexually abusive language by a man from India.
Alone in a foreign country and clearly traumatised, she turned to her online Indian community not for attention but for help, advice, and support. Her words – “I am very upset. I have never heard this kind of words in my life” (sic) – speak volumes about the psychological toll such encounters can take, especially on someone far from home, navigating new norms, cultures, and systems.
This incident is sadly not unique. Many young women from overseas, particularly from India, arrive in Australia full of hope and ambition, only to find themselves vulnerable to harassment—sometimes from those within their own diaspora.
I have observed that the fear of backlash, of not being believed, of visa implications, or of shame brought upon their families, often prevents them from speaking up. But Australia’s laws and social systems are designed to protect all individuals, regardless of gender, nationality, or visa status.
Every person in Australia has the right to feel safe—in their homes, on the street, in public spaces, and online. Harassment, stalking, verbal abuse, and threats are crimes under Australian law. The notion that reporting such behaviour could jeopardise an international student’s visa is simply not true.
To these students, it’s important to emphasise that Australian police, support services, and educational institutions are here to assist and protect—not to punish. It is critical that international students, especially young women, understand this!
If someone finds themselves in a similar situation, there are steps they can take. If in immediate danger, they should call Triple Zero (000). Local police stations can assist with reports and offer protective options. Universities and colleges have student support services that are trained to handle sensitive issues like harassment. There are also services like 1800RESPECT, which offers free, confidential support 24/7, and InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence, which supports migrant and refugee women in abusive situations with cultural sensitivity and care. These services exist to empower and assist—not to interrogate or judge.
I understand that preventing such situations entirely is not always possible, but being cautious when meeting new people, especially those not well known, is wise.
International students should trust their instincts, let someone know where they are going, and block or report abusive behaviour online. It is not the victim’s responsibility to avoid harassment, but small protective actions can help mitigate risks while legal avenues are pursued.
It is equally important to call out such behaviour within our own communities. Often, when the perpetrator is from the same cultural or linguistic background, there is pressure to stay silent for fear of “bringing shame.” But this silence protects no one—it enables abusers and isolates victims.
Indian community organisations, student groups, and leaders have a responsibility to take a firm stand against any form of gendered abuse. I feel it’s not about tarnishing the community’s image—it’s about improving it by creating a culture of respect, accountability, and support.
To the brave young woman who spoke up, I say that you are not alone. You are not overreacting. And you did nothing to deserve what happened to you. Your post may have been short, but it was powerful, and it reflects a reality that many others are too afraid to voice.
Let this be the moment where more voices rise in support, more international students feel empowered to report, and more communities begin to have the difficult but necessary conversations about respect, safety, and solidarity.
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