Supporting International Student Victims of Crime
The Hidden Victims
Exposing the reality of crime against international students and the silence that surrounds it.
An Invisible Problem
International student victims of crime are largely absent from official data. Because most incidents go unreported, their experiences are often omitted from national sources like the Australian Bureau of Statistics, making the true scale of the issue invisible to policymakers and the public.
As many as
8 in 10
incidents may go unreported
The Scale of Underreporting
The gap between crimes experienced and crimes reported is immense, hindering effective support and prevention efforts.
This silence means thousands of students face their struggles alone, without justice or support.
Common Crimes Faced
Students are targeted for a range of opportunistic crimes, from theft and exploitation to assault and intimidation.
Why The Silence? Barriers to Reporting
Complex fears and systemic barriers prevent students from seeking help when they need it most.
🛂Fear of Visa Complications
Worry that interacting with police could jeopardise their visa status or ability to remain in Australia.
🌐Language & System Barriers
Difficulty navigating an unfamiliar legal system and communicating the nuances of their experience.
😔Shame & Isolation
Feeling embarrassed or being without a trusted local support network to turn to for advice and help.
Support is Here: We Are Australia
We Are Australia is a registered charity dedicated to supporting international students who are victims of crime, abuse, and exploitation. Their mission is to provide a pathway to justice, healing, and hope.
Trauma Support
Free, confidential psychosocial support to help students recover from trauma.
Legal Advocacy
Connecting students with legal aid and victim advocacy to protect their rights.
Emergency Relief
Providing financial assistance for essentials like food, housing, and transport in a crisis.
Education
Running workshops on rights, safety, and harm prevention to empower students.
What To Do If You Are a Victim of Crime
For Immediate Danger
If you are in an emergency or feel unsafe, call the police immediately.
000
(Police, Fire, Ambulance)
For Support & Guidance
For confidential help, legal aid, and recovery support, reach out to We Are Australia.
Contact UsEmpowering International Students. Preventing Harm. Building Safer Communities.
We support international students through some of the most difficult moments of their lives in Australia. Whether they’ve experienced abuse, exploitation, discrimination, or violence, we provide trauma recovery, legal support, emergency financial aid, and peer-led education to help them rebuild with dignity.
We believe that no one should face harm alone — and that safety, justice, and human dignity are rights for every student, not privileges.
Our Focus Areas:
🛡️ Trauma Recovery & Counselling
⚖️ Legal Aid & Advocacy
🎓 Education on Rights & Safety
🤝 Peer Support & Community Engagement
💸 Emergency Financial Assistance
Registered Charity & Gift Fund:
We Are Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). All donations made to our Gift Fund go directly toward harm prevention programs that support international student victims of crime.
We Are Australia Foundation Limited
Suite 214/585 Little Collins St
MELBOURNE Victoria 3000
+61421 439 379
info@weareaustralia.org