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Gender-Based Violence (GBV) & Safety in Homestay Training
Note: This training is subject to change at any time. Please check all AHN policies on a regular basis for updates.
Our Commitment to Safety
The AHN Promise: We are dedicated to providing a secure and supportive environment for every guest.
Wellbeing: As an AHN host, you play a critical role in your guests' wellbeing and serve as an essential part of an international student's safety net.
A Culture of Safety: Safety is not a one-time policy; it is our ongoing standard of practice in every homestay for both guests and hosts.
Child Safe Standards: AHN is committed to maintaining rigorous Child Safe Standards. We ensure all homestay interactions and environments are monitored to protect international students from harm.
Key Policies
AHN publishes a suite of public policies that support child safety and wellbeing and help guide host families, guests, staff and partners:
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to physical or non-physical harm directed at a person because of their gender, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
GBV can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, or identity.
GBV can occur anywhere. Your guests may be exposed to GBV through their social circles, at their educational institutions, or in online spaces.
Why GBV Training Matters
Students may be:
young
not used to living away from home
new to Australian culture and systems
from a low-socioeconomic background
unable to communicate effectively in the English language
unaware of the support services available to them.
Note: While anyone can experience GBV regardless of gender or sexual orientation, women, girls and members of the LGBTIQA+ community are disproportionally affected.
Why GBV Training Matters
Power imbalances may exist between guests and others.
Students may fear:
losing accommodation
visa consequences
not being believed
punishment / repercussion
shame and stigma
blame.
AHN and our hosts play a critical role in prevention, response, and support.
Forms of GBV
Forms of GBV may include:
violence (e.g. sexual violence, domestic or family violence, etc.)
sexual harassment
stalking
grooming
coercive or controlling behaviour
threats or intimidation
emotional abuse
economic / financial abuse
social isolation
technology-facilitated abuse.
Indicators of GBV
Possible indicators include:
PHYSICAL
Bruises, cuts, broken bones
Headaches, backaches, chronic pain
Gastrointestinal problems
Sleep problems
SEXUAL
Unexplained STIs
Unwanted pregnancy
BEHAVIOURAL
Eating disorders
Self-harming behaviour
Increased use of drugs/alcohol
Sleep problems
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Depression, anxiety, panic attacks
PTSD, phobias
Feelings of worthlessness
Feeling disassociated and numb
Impaired concentration
Physical exhaustion
FINANCIAL
Unexplained debt
Lack of access to money
SOCIAL
Isolation from friends or family support
Reluctance to talk about partner
Partner always present
Needing to be back home by a certain time
Unexplained explanations of any of the above
Indicators should be viewed in context and over time.
If you notice these signs, trust your instincts. You do not need proof to seek advice.
Sexual Harm & Misconduct
Sexual Assault
Any uninvited sexual behaviour that makes a person feel uncomfortable, frightened, threatened or harassed.
It includes any sexual acts occurring without the consent of the other party, or after consent has been withdrawn.
Sexual assault includes:
sexual contact without consent, or where consent cannot be given
unwelcome sexual actions, including inappropriate touching over or under clothing
sexual assault within an intimate or dating relationship
invasion of privacy for sexual purposes (e.g. spying or “peeping”)
indecent exposure or sexually explicit behaviour in public
removing protection without consent (“stealthing”)
pressuring someone to view or participate in sexual imagery
sending unsolicited sexual messages or images.
Sexual Harassment
Any unwelcome and unwanted sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct or behaviour that one finds offensive, humiliating or intimidating.
May be physical or non-physical and can occur online or in person.
Sexual Harassment
Examples of sexual harassment:
unwelcome physical contact or grabbing
pressuring or insisting on sexual activity
requesting sexual favours in person or via messages
inappropriate staring or lewd looks
sharing or displaying explicit or offensive content
sexual jokes, remarks, or gestures that make others uncomfortable
intrusive questions about someone’s private or sexual life
Respecting Boundaries: Maintain professional, respectful, and transparent relationships with your student. Being Mindful: Reflect on your own interactions. Ensure all communication is appropriate, respectful, and supportive. Setting Expectations: Establish clear household rules regarding guests, privacy, and personal space early on. Creating a Safe Space: Foster an environment where the student feels comfortable coming to you if something feels "wrong," without fear of judgment.
If a student discloses a concern to you, or if you suspect a student has been exposed to GBV:
Listen & Validate: Keep the student safe. Remain calm and supportive. Document: Note the date, time, and details of what was shared. Report to AHN: Notify your local AHN office or 24/7 After Hours Line (1300 69 7829).
Once reported, AHN will guide the next steps, provide support, and manage the investigation process in accordance with the above policy.
If you witness, experience, or become aware of gender-based violence during an AHN homestay placement, report it to AHN as soon as possible. You are not expected to investigate the matter yourself.
Managing Disclosures of GBV
Understanding Bias
Bias is a tendency to favour certain perspectives or people.
Can be conscious or unconscious.
Influenced by culture, upbringing, and experiences.
Can impact how we interpret disclosures and behaviour.
Recognising bias is essential to fair and safe responses.
Common Types of Bias:
Affinity Bias – favouring people similar to us. Attribution Bias – judging others more harshly than ourselves. Beauty Bias – assumptions based on appearance. Confirmation Bias – only noticing information that supports our views. Conformity Bias – changing views to fit in. Gender Bias – assumptions based on gender. Halo / Horns Bias – seeing someone as all good or all bad.
Understanding unconscious bias
Intersectionality recognises that:
People hold multiple identities.
Discrimination and privilege can overlap.
Culture, race, gender, sexuality, disability, migration status all matter.
Taking an intersectional approach means:
Looking beyond single labels or categories and recognising that people’s experiences are shaped by multiple, interconnected factors.
Understanding that individuals may experience both advantage and disadvantage at the same time.
Actively reflecting on our own power, privilege, and how these influence our work and decisions.
Ways to Manage Bias:
Education and self-reflection
Acknowledge assumptions
Pause before responding
Seek diverse perspectives
Use policies and checklists to stay objective
What Does Trauma-Informed Mean?
Trauma-informed care requires:
awareness of power and privilege
avoiding one-size-fits-all responses.
A trauma-informed approach:
assumes trauma may be present.
focuses on safety and dignity.
avoids re-traumatisation.
supports empowerment and choice.
recognises emotional responses as valid.
Trauma-Informed Safety
Consider:
physical and emotional safety
private, calm environments
avoiding unnecessary stressors
preventing contact between victim-survivor and alleged perpetrator
offering water, tissues, and breaks.
Cultural Sensitivity
Ask how the person wants others referred to.
Be aware of cultural, linguistic, and religious needs.
Avoid assumptions or stereotypes.
Reflect on your own cultural lens.
Do not impose personal values
Communication & Transparency
Explain processes clearly.
Use simple, non-jargon language.
Check understanding regularly.
Allow time for questions.
Be honest about what you can and cannot do.
Trauma-Informed Questioning
Avoid interrogation-style questioning.
Avoid victim-blaming language.
Allow the person to use their own words.
Avoid unnecessary detail.
Give warnings before sensitive topics.
Person-Centred Approach
Acknowledge emotional reactions.
Validate where appropriate.
Allow breaks if needed.
Provide as much choice and control as possible.
Keep the person informed throughout.
Respect boundaries:
- Avoid pressuring the person to reveal information they’re not comfortable with.
- Respect the person’s decision not to take part in the process.
Trauma-Informed Language Examples
Helpful phrases could sound like:
“Thank you for telling me.”
“It took courage to share this.”
“It’s not unusual for people to feel this way.”
“You don’t have to answer if you’re uncomfortable.”
“Would you like a break?”
“You’re not alone.”
Active Listening
Active listening involves:
full attention
observing non-verbal cues.
avoiding interruptions.
reflecting and paraphrasing.
allowing silence.
withholding judgment.
Disclosure vs Observation
Disclosure: A guest directly tells you something has happened OR a third-party tells you that a guest communicated to them that something has happened e.g. a family member, the guest’s friend, or another homestay guest.
Can you name three forms of gender-based violence and harm?
Who should you report any disclosures of gender-based violence or harm to?
When someone makes a disclosure to you, what is the best way to find out more detail using trauma-informed questioning methods?
Assessment Answers
Question 1
violence (e.g. sexual violence, domestic or family violence, etc.)
sexual harassment
stalking
grooming
coercive or controlling behaviour
threats or intimidation
emotional abuse
economic / financial abuse
social isolation
technology-facilitated abuse
Question 2
Hosts must report any disclosures of gender-based violence to their local AHN office or the 24/7 After Hours Line. Before doing so, hosts must inform the discloser of their obligation to notify AHN and seek consent on what information can be shared, including anonymity preferences.
Question 3
Avoid interrogation-style questioning. Avoid victim-blaming language. Allow the person to use their own words. Avoid unnecessary detail. Give warnings before sensitive topics.
Code of Conduct for U18s in Homestay
Overview
The AHN Code of Conduct for U18s in Homestay sets out the expectations and responsibilities for supporting Under 18 international students in AHN homestay placements.
It recognises that all stakeholders involved in the homestay process have a responsibility to meet a high standard of ethical conduct.
The policy is designed to ensure consistent, high-quality pastoral care where education providers, AHN staff, AHN hosts and AHN guests work together to provide supportive homestay experiences.
Child Safe Standards
Under 18s are particularly vulnerable and require additional safeguards.
AHN is dedicated to implementing best-practice child-safe standards and ensuring our policies, practices and host community uphold the highest levels of care, transparency and accountability.
Each state and territory implements its own regulatory schemes, reportable conduct frameworks, and Working with Children / Vulnerable People Check requirements.
Guests must obtain approval from their education provider prior to going home for holidays or if they will be away for any period.
Hosts must ensure AHN is aware of the guest’s plans.
Transfers / Changes to Homestay / Host Holidays
Guests cannot change homestay without prior approval.
If a host requests a guest transfer, they must continue hosting the guest until a suitable homestay has been found. This may take longer than the standard 2-week notice period.
Host Holidays
Hosts should avoid requesting transfers / taking holidays during the school term to limit disruption to their guest’s studies.
If a host wishes to take their guest on holidays, they must seek approval from the guest’s guardian and education provider first and advise AHN.
Hosts must provide AHN with at least 2 weeks’ notice if they will be going on holidays without their student so that a suitable temporary homestay can be arranged.
Guests may request for their temporary transfer to be made permanent to avoid multiple transfers.
Curfew
Hosts must enforce the curfew set by AHN (typically 10pm unless otherwise advised) or the education provider and notified to the host by AHN.
Sunday to Thursday – guests are expected to return to the home after school unless an activity has been discussed and approved by the hosts and must be home by the set curfew.
Friday and Saturday – if approved by the host, guests are able to undertake planned activities with friends but are expected to be home by the set curfew.
Breaches to curfews or any welfare concerns must be reported immediately to AHN on the 24/7 emergency line.
Student Welfare
Overnight stays outside of the homestay are not permitted without obtaining the permission of the guest’s education provider and AHN.
This includes sleepovers with a guest’s family who may live locally or are visiting from overseas.
Hosts must be aware of the student’s whereabouts and transportation to and from any events.
Hosts are expected to maintain suitable supervision for their guests outside of school hours and exercise caution and common sense when it comes to the their guest’s welfare.
Hosts have the authority to decline any request they feel may put a guest’s safety at risk.
Health
A guest’s school will sometimes ring a host when a student is sick and needs to go home early during the school day.
Generally the school will ask the host to pick up the student and will not allow them to go home by public transport.
Depending on the guest’s age and the severity of their illness, someone may need to be home with the guest during the day to care for them.
Hosts are to accompany guests under the age of 18 to the doctor or hospital.
Younger guests may need reminders to take their medication at the correct times.
Mental Health Services for People 25 Years and Under
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Headspace 1800 650 890
ReachOut Online, anonymous and confidential tools and resources to help young people through tough times
Visitors
Hosts must inform AHN at least 1 week prior of any visitors staying overnight in the home. They must also inform the guest, so they are aware.
Hosts must immediately notify AHN of any overnight visitors who are not permanent residents with the appropriate checks.
Visitors for longer periods require full registration and review by AHN.
Extra Responsibilities for Hosts of Under 18s
Only hosting other guests, or students of any institution, that are the same gender as their student.
Notifying the education provider if their guest will be absent for the day and notifying AHN if they believe there has been excessive non-attendance.
Keeping AHN, the education provider and guardian informed of any issues or concerns relating to their guest.
Never leaving their guest alone at home overnight or without an AHN-approved adult who has a current Working With Children Check and Police Check.
Immediately notifying AHN of any incident or allegation of child abuse including:
(i) any act committed against a child involving –
i.i. a sexual offence; or
i.ii. an offence under section 49B (2) of the Crimes Act 1958 (grooming); and
(ii) the infliction, on a child, of –
ii.i. physical violence; or
ii.ii. serious emotional or psychological harm; and
(iii) serious neglect of a child.
Assessment
Assessment Questions
What are the three mental health services for young people you are asked to take note of?
As a host, who do you need to seek approval from if you’d like to take a guest on a family holiday?
True or False – Any responsible adult over the age of 18 can look after an Under 18 guest if a host needs to go out for the night?
