Safety Tips for Students and Backpackers in Australia
Introduction
Traveling alone can be an incredibly enriching experience, but it also comes with certain risks, especially for women. During my travels, I realized that we are more vulnerable to meeting people who are not right, simply because we feel alone or need a connection with someone.
Identifying Red Flags
When we are low in energy, we attract people who can be harmful to our mind, heart and body. It is crucial to be alert to red flags and have clear standards about the people we want to have around us. Listening to the opinion of our friends is also essential.
My Experience in Australia
I had a bad experience in Australia, but I am grateful to the people who were close to me and supported me. Although it was nothing physical, I suffered psychological violence. Bad words are also a form of aggression when they make you feel vulnerable and bad.
Lessons Learned
After reflecting a lot, I am left with the lessons that that experience brought me:
Surround yourself with friends: If you feel alone or confused, seek the company of friends. They will always tell you the truth.
Find Positive Activities: If you don't have friends nearby, call someone or look for activities that you like. The goal is to strengthen your positive energy.
Focus on your Self-Love: If your self-love is low, you will accept crumbs of affection or allow things you shouldn't. The first person you should love with all your energy is you.
Analyze the People You Know
It is important to analyze the people you know. Observe how they behave with you and their friends. Ask yourself if they drink a lot, use drugs, or if their friends have a negative opinion of them. These are red flags that you should not ignore.
Control and Manipulation
If someone tries to control where you are, what you do, or who you talk to, it's a red flag. Many manipulators play victims and promise to change, but they won't. They will say nice things to you or give you gifts and then use them against you. They will also try to isolate you from your friends and offer you monetary support to make you dependent.
Seek Help
If you are a victim of psychological or physical abuse, seek help. There are support lines like 1800RESPECT in Australia. You can report to the police by calling 000 or go to family court. If you don't speak English well, they will offer you a translator free of charge.
Additional Resources
Some YouTube channels that can help you identify abusive behavior:
Verbal Abuse in Relationships -- Know the Signs You Should Not Ignore
Sunshine - Don't Confuse Love & Abuse - Day One
#ThatsNotLove campaign | Because I Love You - Whiskey | One Love Foundation
#ThatsNotLove campaign | Because I Love You - Delete | One Love Foundation
Conclusion
Remember, go to your close circle, they should not judge you. If you don't trust them, call the helpline for advice. Bad words and threats are also violence. Always take care of yourself wherever you are.
