Staying safe while you study
Trimester 1 is here and we’re thrilled to welcome students to our campuses for the first time in many months. We hope you can enjoy a much more vibrant uni experience in T1, and sample some of the many learning and social experiences on offer.
At Deakin we’re committed to safety, inclusion and respect, and we’re always working to implement services that will support your wellbeing. We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and our Deakin community safe.
Here’s some ways to prioritise safety during your time at Deakin – whether you’re on campus, online, or out and about in the community. And please remember to stay COVIDSafe too!
On campus
Deakin Security provides regular security patrols and emergency assistance for anyone on campus. They can escort you to your car at night and are the first port of call if you see something that makes you uncomfortable. All our officers are also trained first-aid responders.
To maximise your personal safety:
- Download and register the SafeZone app, which connects you directly to Deakin Security and sends them your location if you need help. To register, you’ll need your name, mobile number and Deakin email address. You can also call Security directly on 1800 062 579.
- Check out our safety tips for when you’re on campus, including advice for when you’re in places like the library, at a student residence or in a carpark.
- Read Deakin’s My guide to personal safety, which outlines what to do and who to contact in a range of emergency situations.
In the community
Victoria is generally a safe place but unfortunately some people may face unsafe situations.
We want you to be safe when you’re out and about in the community. Adopting practical safety strategies should reduce the risks and help you to respond effectively if you ever feel unsafe. Here are some simple ways you can look after yourself:
- Call Victoria Police on Triple Zero (000) if you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
- Read Victoria Police’s personal safety tips, which include information on staying safe on public transport, while drinking, in the outdoors and on the road.
- Read our tips for staying safe when you’re out and about.
Online
We’re all about blended learning in T1, with most classes (lectures) still being delivered online. This makes it extra important to educate yourself about cybersafety and improve your online security. A great starting point is the Toolkit for Universities, which is a collaboration between the eSafety Commissioner and Universities Australia.
This includes tips for building your confidence while navigating the online world, managing your time online and how to take action if you or someone you know experiences online abuse.
Sexual harm
Sexual harm and gender-based violence is a serious issue facing the entire community – and it’s everyone’s business. We do not tolerate behaviours that cause people to feel unsafe. Our Sexual Harm Prevention Program aims to build a strong culture of safety, mutual respect and inclusion to ensure everyone can study and work in a safe and supportive environment.
If you’ve been impacted by sexual harm, or you’ve been helping someone who has, Deakin has a range of support services, resources and referral pathways to help you.
Read more about what support is available.
Domestic and family violence
Family violence – which is violence between family members, such as between parents and children, siblings, and intimate partners – is a crime, but unfortunately it’s a reality for many people across the country.
Domestic violence is a type of family violence, and refers specifically to violence that occurs between current or former intimate partners (sometimes referred to as ‘intimate partner violence’).
If you’ve been impacted by family and domestic violence, or you’ve been helping someone who has, Deakin has a range of support services, resources and referral pathways to help you.
Read more about what support is available.
Where to get help
If an incident occurs, help is available:
- In an emergency, contact Victoria Police on Triple Zero (000) and Deakin Security on 1800 062 579.
- Contact Safer Community to report or make a disclosure of sexual harm (recent or historical, and either on- or off-campus); to report domestic and family violence or problem behaviour; or to access support. All assistance is confidential.
- If you’d like to talk to a counsellor, contact Deakin’s Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS) service.
- We also recommend the following specialist support services:
- National Hotline for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- Victorian Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292 (24 hours)
- Victims of Crime: 1800 819 817.