I wanted to put forth this recent experience, which happened at a WWOOF (and helpx) work trade I am currently living at. In my opinion a perfect example of how a host SHOULD respond to this situation.

A new work-trader arrived last Monday (6 days) and throughout the week all other staffers felt something was off with this guy. We did our best to keep open minds and show him the ropes but it was days of red flags - including poor (basically zero) work ethic.

Friday night he assaulted a staffer while they slept (who fell asleep in common kitchen during a movie). The staffer was then petrified of the new guy, and refused to tell anyone about it, other than myself. Also refused to press charges.

I finally convinced them the following morning (Sunday) that I would tell the hosts without saying who it happened to, in hopes hosts would immediately rectify.

And they did! It was a 3-minute conversation, our hosts needed zero follow up, did not push for victim’s identity, and immediately had the guy pack up his stuff and they took him away. They offered whatever support we needed, changed all door codes and authorized us to call the police if we see him around or on the property again.

Just putting this out there because ratting out an abuser can be scary, but this is exactly what HOSTS SHOULD DO TO PROTECT US. If a line is EVER crossed, the situation should be rectified swiftly and without question. We all deserve to feel SAFE at our hosts’ properties.

Of course we wish the guy had never made it through the gate in the first place, but he was definitely a con artist type who could weasel-word his way into places.

This post isn’t to scare anyone away from WWOOFing. I’ve met so many amazing people through WWOOF. In my experience- almost everyone is EASY to like or respect in some way for sharing their journey & crossing paths. This guy was the exception among the 20-30 people I’ve met through this location since January.

Trust your intuition and find hosts you also trust. & stay safe !