Personal safety is a core component of an individual’s wellbeing. It’s important to be aware of your own safety and take precautions to keep safe. Safer Community has put together some useful safety tips to help you stay safe.
Personal safety tips
On campus
- Ensure the safety of your belongings by keeping them attended at all times
- Save the number for Campus Security in your phone (03 9479 2222) and call if you need assistance
- When studying late, walk with friends or call for a Uni-Safe escort (03 9479 2222), available at Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo and Melbourne (Bundoora) campuses
- Park in the University car park
Using public transport
- Plan ahead: check public transport timetables in advance to familiarise yourself with the route
- Sit strategically: for example, at night, sit near the driver on the bus
- Be aware of emergency assistance buttons
- If you feel uncomfortable, consider moving or alerting the appropriate authorities
- If travelling alone, tell someone your schedule
- Keep valuables secure
In public
- Become familiar with your surroundings
- Keep your essentials (i.e. phone and wallet) close to your body
- Leave valuables at home, e.g. your passport
- Keep your personal information private, such as your address
- Keep your phone charged or if your battery is flat, Telstra payphones provide free phone calls within Australia
- Notice safety features, CCTV camera and police, security or other staff
Going out at night
- Plan your path: prepare for your travels by arranging transportation in advance
- Prioritise safety: safeguard yourself by refraining from accepting rides from unfamiliar individuals
- Equip yourself: arm yourself with safety tools to promptly call for help or send your location to a trusted friend
- Travel with a friend or group where you can
- Walk on footpaths, crossings and in well-lit areas where possible
- Assert your boundaries if you feel threatened, seek assistance from bystanders or promptly call the Police (000) for support
At home
- Always close windows and lock all doors when you leave the house and go to sleep at night
- Conceal valuables
- Consider leaving a light on when out at night, for example, installing a sensor light
- Assert your boundaries by exercising caution with unfamiliar individuals requesting entry
- Maintain your privacy by minimising the amount of personal information shared on social media platforms about where you live
- Install a smoke detector, have a fire plan
- Have a trusted neighbour collect your mail if you’re away
- If hiding a key outside, consider having a lockable key box
- Consider an alarm or CCTV to deter intruders
- Be aware of online safety and where you can get support if you experience inappropriate or harmful behaviour online
Further support
Immediate support
- Campus Security: Phone (03) 9479 2222 to request a uni-safe escort, report a concern or incident, or seek emergency assistance on campus.
- Emergency call service – Triple Zero: national emergency call service for Police, Fire and Ambulance. Phone 000 in an emergency.
Reporting
- Safer Community: a free, confidential support service for La Trobe students and staff to report concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour they may have experience or witnessed at the University.
- Crime Stoppers: national crime reporting organisation. Phone 1800 333 000 to confidentially report information to help solve a crime.
- Victoria Police: report crimes for investigation. Find your local police station online or phone 131 444 for non-urgent assistance.
Personal support
- Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion: a range of support options are available for all La Trobe students and staff.
- eSafety Commissioner: Australia’s independent regulator for online safety.