Emergencies, safety and security

Deakin is committed to providing a safe and secure teaching and learning environment. Security Services, Diversity and Inclusion, and Student Life provide a range of services and programs that strive to ensure and support the safety, security and wellbeing of staff and students. This page comprises key services and contacts of which both you and your students should be aware.

What to do in an emergency

If there is immediate or imminent danger on campus call Police or Emergency on 000 or Deakin Security on 1800 062 579.

Accidents and hazards

  • An incident is the general name for accidents (that may or may not result in injury), near misses and hazards.
  • A near miss is a dangerous incident that could have led to serious injury or significant damage.
  • A hazard is anything with the potential to cause damage to people, the environment, property, plant or equipment.

Report all accidents and hazards. Contact Health, Wellbeing and Safety immediately on (03) 522 72869 (Geelong/Warrnambool) or (03) 924 68175 (Melbourne).

SafeZone and Safer Community

SafeZone

SafeZone is a free app for Deakin University students and staff that connects directly to security services 24/7.

Security escort service

Deakin Security Services provides a free 24/7 service to escort you on campus and can be booked by contacting Security by phone or by using the Help button on the SafeZone app. The SafeZone app will:

  • send your name and location directly to security
  • ask for first aid or assistance
  • request a security guard to escort you somewhere on campus
  • receive important notifications from Deakin security.

Safer Community

Safer Community is a Deakin wide service which aims to keep all campuses safe. Safer Community staff respond to all reports of behaviour which are concerning, inappropriate or threatening and offer support to all parties involved. If you are worried about someone or something just doesn’t feel quite right, please contact Safer Community for support, advice or information.

Consent Matters online training

Deakin students are now being automatically enrolled in the Consent Matters online training module to learn to how seek sexual consent, recognise what consent looks like and identify situations where it can’t be given.

All staff are encouraged to explore the Consent Matters online training module to familiarise themselves with what we are asking of students.

The module uses a series of engaging and interactive exercises, images and short videos to explain sexual consent, bystander intervention in cases of sexual harassment and assault, and possible ways of stepping in if others need help.

Staff can view the Consent Matters module by:

  • visiting CloudDeakin home page
  • clicking 'More' (top right-hand side of your screen), then 'Self-registration'.

Sexual assault disclosure

Students or staff who have experienced sexual assault are encouraged to seek information and support from, or report the matter to Deakin Safer Community. Where a student discloses sexual assault, staff are required to refer the matter to Deakin Safer Community for further assistance and advice.

If a victim/survivor is concerned about privacy, you can inform them that:

  • they can make an anonymous report to Safer Community Services
  • you can withhold their identity when discussing the matter with Safer Community should the victim survivor wish NOT to share their identity
  • they will NOT be required, forced or obligated to be involved or participate in any formal process such as investigations or disciplinary hearings
  • they may choose not to identify the alleged perpetrator when making a report
  • if they are under 18, Deakin University is legally obliged to make a report to the police. Please refer to Child Safety Standards for further information.

Supporting the victim/survivor

Familiarise yourself with how to support the victim/survivor of sexual assault—detailed information is available on the Safer Community website. How you respond to student or staff member who discloses an assault is important. The best way to provide support to someone who has disclosed a sexual assault is to listen and believe him or her. It is important to:

  • help the victim/survivor to understand reporting and support options.
  • respect their privacy.
  • support the victim/survivor and help them to be in control of processes and decisions
  • provide students with information on internal support services should they feel more comfortable in seeking support from these.

Domestic and family violence

Deakin is committed to assisting staff and students experiencing domestic and family violence with the aim of supporting their continued participation in employment or study. Safer Community Domestic and Family Violence provides advice and information including how to respond to disclosures, how to access domestic and family violence leave and external and internal contacts.

Looking after yourself

We acknowledge these are confronting and sensitive issues that may be a trigger for those who have experienced past trauma, or experience vicarious trauma as a result of receiving a disclosure from a peer. If you do need support, contact Safer Community. Confidentiality is assured. Other support services include:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Deakin’s Employee Assistance Program offers all staff (including casuals) a voluntary, short-term, cost-free, confidential, professional counselling and referral service where staff are experiencing work-related and personal problems that are adversely affecting their work performance.

If you are struggling with any of these issues, there is plenty of mental health support available for you at Deakin University. See also Health and wellbeing for more information about mental health support at Deakin.

Discrimination, harassment and bullying

Deakin is strongly committed to the principles of equity and fairness in education and employment. Deakin will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment or bullying. If you think you have been harassed or discriminated against, or you or a student is being bullied, or have witnessed these behaviours, talk to a Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officer (HDCO). HDCOs are trained to provide support and information. For confidential discrimination and sexual harassment enquiries or concerns: [email protected].

Email student and general enquiries if you have any questions, concerns or require further information

Further resources

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