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Safe @ Uni, Safe @ Home

Safe @ Uni, Safe @ Home

A 12-week student-led campaign focused on raising awareness across campuses regarding student safety, inclusion and accessibility.

Across twelve themed weeks, the campaign explores the systems and cultures that shape student safety, such as reporting pathways and support services, gender-based violence, sexism, ableism, racism, and queerphobia.

From safety tips to wellbeing resources, the aim is to equip students with practical ways to stay safe and ensure the University is providing adequate support for ALL students.

You deserve to feel safe@uni and safe@home.

Campaign Progress: Week 3 of 12
Week 1: Safety

Definition: The state of being protected from harm or other danger.

Learn about Safer Communities

  • Free confidential support and advice
  • Access to free counselling
  • Place to report all concerning behaviours (even anonymously)

Know where to find Blue Phones on Campus

  • Blue emergency telephones give direct intercom access to Security and are monitored by video
  • Press the Emergency button to activate

Download the SafeZone App

  • Share your location with security in an emergency
  • Check in when alone and trigger alerts when needed
  • Get safety alerts, crisis support, and report issues
Week 2: Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Definition: Any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threat, based on someone‘s gender. This can result in harm, coercion, control or fear.

Need support?

Forms of GBV can include:

  • Sexual violence
  • Sexual harassment
  • Online abuse
  • Stalking
  • Physical violence
  • Relationship violence
  • Family/Domestic violence

New National Code: A new law requires UniMelb to actively prevent gender-based violence, and respond appropriately wherever it happens. This promotes safer campuses, safer homes, and ensures greater accountability. Learn more.

Week 3: Sexism

Definition: Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination based on a person's sex or gender.

Watch: Everyday sexism explained

Sexism can look like sexist jokes, disrespectful comments and sexual harassment. These moments happen every day — at home, in the classroom, in sports, and in leadership.

Interactive: Is this sexism?

Click each scenario to reveal the answer.

💬 “You’re really good at this lab for a girl.”
Yes. This reinforces stereotypes suggesting women are less capable in certain fields.
📚 A woman keeps getting interrupted during a tutorial discussion.
This can be a form of gendered behaviour where voices are dismissed or talked over.
📝 In a group project, the woman is expected to organise tasks.
This reflects common gender stereotypes about roles in teams.
🏟️ The women’s basketball game is scheduled early in the day, with the men’s game as the main event later.
Yes. This is sexism — it devalues women’s sports and reinforces the idea that men’s competitions are more important.

What YOU can do:

  • If you've witnessed or experienced sexism, visit the Safer Communities page or contact them: safer-community@unimelb.edu.au
  • Attend collectives run by the Women’s Department (if you identify as a woman or non-binary)
  • Call out everyday sexism.
  • Support our women sports teams by attending their games!
  • Connect with @umsuwomens