Safety is paramount at Deakin
Welcome to Trimester 2/Semester 2! We’re thrilled to welcome you to Deakin for the first time or to welcome you back. The start of a new study period is one of the busiest times of the year, with thousands of new students starting their degrees.
We want everyone to have an enjoyable and successful time at Deakin, which is why we need to highlight the importance of personal safety – both when you’re studying and in the wider community.
Staying COVIDSafe on campus
While we want as much campus activity as possible during T2/S2, the safety of our community remains Deakin’s priority. To attend campus, you must:
- Carry a mask at all times, wear your mask indoors and wear it outdoors where you can’t keep 1.5 metres from others.
- Adhere to all COVIDSafe practices, including using the Service Victoria QR code to check in across campus.
- Self-check and stay home if you’re unwell – use the Symptom Checker testing and quarantine guidance.
- Complete Deakin’s COVIDSafe module before attending a campus for the first time.
- Maintain good hand hygiene and use the hand sanitiser available.
Please continue to monitor Deakin’s range of online FAQs about COVID-19. These FAQs are updated regularly with the latest information.
Staying safe on campus
When you’re on campus, our Deakin Security team is working hard to keep you safe. They can escort you to your car at night or help you if you see something that makes you uncomfortable. All our officers are also trained first-aid responders.
There’s a couple of easy steps you can take 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. You can also call Security directly on 1800 062 579.
- Check out our safety tips for when you’re on campus. This includes some 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.
Staying safe in the community
Victoria is generally a safe place but unfortunately some people may face discrimination and harassment. We want you to be safe when you’re at home or out and about. 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 includes 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.
- Be aware of your surroundings when you’re in public. Try to avoid becoming isolated – stay in well-lit, populated areas.
- Leave valuable items at home, not in your car or your bag.
Staying safe online
It’s important to educate yourself about cybersafety and take some steps to improve your online security. Check out the Toolkit for Universities, which is a collaboration between the eSafety Commissioner and Universities Australia. The toolkit 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.
Read more about how to stay safe online, including how to avoid scams.
Preventing sexual harm
We’re committed to preventing and addressing sexual harm, which is a significant issue for all universities as well as the wider community.
Our Sexual Harm Prevention Program aims to build a strong culture of safety, mutual respect and inclusion to ensure all members of our community can study and work in a safe and supportive environment.
We have established policies and procedures that aim to prevent sexual harm, assault, violence and discrimination. We do not tolerate behaviours that cause people to feel unsafe.
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.
- For information, advice and support about sexual harm, or family or domestic violence (recent, historical and either on- or off-campus), contact our Safer Community 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
- Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.