Managing emergencies abroad - Safety (Safety)

The following services and resources are available to help you manage emergencies and incidents while you are overseas. In a true, non-academic emergency, please refer to our emergency contacts information.

Medical emergencies

International SOS

+61 2 9372 2468

International SOS is the emergency support provider connected to the Student Travel Insurance policy. In an emergency medical situation, you should contact International SOS immediately. They will assist with the following:

• Provide advice on reputable hospitals, English-speaking doctors
• Arrange for payment of medical services
• Support emergency mental health incidents
• Arrange emergency medical evacuations
• Support during crises and natural disasters

Sexual offences

Monash University is committed to preventing sexual violence in our community, including on learning abroad programs. To prevent incidents of sexual violence from occurring, we have taken the following actions:

• All Monash students are required to complete Respect at Monash module
• Students receive regional-specific information about gender issues and travel safety for LGBTIQA+ during pre-departure orientation to prepare for cultural differences overseas
• Monash staff leading student groups are trained in Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Assault
• Monash is committed to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy - see Monash PSEAH Framework

Sexual offences on a Learning Abroad program

If you are a survivor of sexual violence while on a learning abroad program, what happened was not your fault.

Determining what steps to take after a traumatic event can be difficult, especially when you are far from home. Below are some options for steps you can take but, it is your choice whether to seek help or tell others about your experience.

Support from Monash

Monash Safety and Security has a 24/7 emergency number that you can ring - +613 9905 3333. They will refer you to the Safer Community Unit (Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm) who supports students in difficult situations. The Safer Community Unit can provide advice about making reports to local law enforcement and/or Australian diplomatic missions. Further resources for survivors of sexual assault are available for Monash students.

If you are travelling with a Monash staff member, you may wish to contact your program leader who has been trained in responding to disclosures of sexual assault. You may also consider contacting another trusted individual (such as an international student advisor at your host university etc.). They can assist you with contacting International SOS (+61 2 9372 2468) and can provide advice about accessing medical care in your host country. If you are having language difficulties, your trusted individual or International SOS staff can identify ways to obtain translation services.

For access to mental health support from outside of Australia you can use the following numbers:

• From Malaysia: 1800 818 356 (toll free)
• From Italy: 800 791 847 (toll free)
• From elsewhere: Students +61 2 8295 2917 | Staff +61 2 8295 2292

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Smartraveller has provided advice for what to do if you are assaulted overseas.