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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.

📢 Week 11: Graduate Week!
📱 Use the SafeZone app for alerts
📞 Save Campus Security Number: 1800 246 066
💡 Familiarize yourself with reporting pathways

Get Support

Access UMSU's support services

Safe@Home
(Linktree)

All Safe@Home resources

Safer Community
Program (UoM)

Explore available University supports
Campaign Progress: Week 11 of 12
1
Safety 2
GBV 3
Sexism 4
Ableism 5
Racism 6
Classism 7
Queer- phobia 8
Clubs and Societies 9
Accom- modation 10
Activism 11
Graduate 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
Week 4: Ableism

Definition: Systemic, institutional, and interpersonal discrimination, prejudice, and devaluation of people with physical, intellectual, or psychiatric disabilities.

👀 What ableism can look like

What ableism can look like:

  • It can be intentional and unintentional
  • Assuming someone can’t do something because of their disability
  • Making jokes or comments about disability
  • Ignoring accessibility needs in events or spaces
  • Designing systems that exclude people with disabilities
⚠️ Why calling it out matters

Why it matters:

Disabled students deserve to feel safe, respected and included at University. Ableism can affect:

  • Access to education
  • Participation in campus life
  • Physical and mental wellbeing
  • A sense of belonging in the university community
💥 What YOU can do

What YOU can do:

  • Listen to and respect disabled people’s experiences
  • Avoid making assumptions about someone’s abilities
  • Advocate for accessible events and spaces
  • Challenge ableist language or behaviour
  • Support inclusive policies and practices
🤝 Support & Community

Support & Community:

  • Visit the Safer Communities page to learn about available support services
  • Connect with UMSU Disabilities

🧠 Interactive: Is this ableism?

Click each scenario to reveal the answer.

🎤 “We didn’t include captions because most people don’t need them.”
Yes. This excludes students who rely on captions and assumes a “default” user.
🏫 An event is held in a building without lift access.
Yes. This creates a physical barrier that prevents equal participation.
💬 “Let me do that for you, it might be too hard.”
This can be ableist if it assumes incapability without asking.

📸 Accessibility Photo Challenge

Take a photo of a place on campus that is inaccessible or difficult to navigate and share it to help highlight barriers disabled students face.

This could include:

  • Stairs without ramps
  • Buildings without lifts
  • Narrow doorways
  • Lack of accessible seating
  • Poor signage or wayfinding

Submit your photo via Instagram (@umsu_president) or email.

Week 5: Racism

Racism: Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against people based on their race, ethnicity, or nationality.

Racism can be experienced in many ways — from overt acts of hostility to subtle microaggressions, institutional policies, or cultural norms that disadvantage certain racial or ethnic groups. These forms of racism can also target people based on their religion or culture, highlighting the ways oppression can intersect.

Antisemitism: Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Physical and rhetorical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.

Islamophobia: Hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Muslims, often based on religion, culture, or perceived association with Islam. This is an example of how racism can take specific, targeted forms.

UMSU holds a strong stance against racism, antisemitism and islamophobia and we encourage you to reach out if you have experienced any form of discrimination, harassment, or exclusion.

🏛️ The campus you study in has a history

Click each space to learn more:

John Medley Building
Named after a Vice-Chancellor involved in the Eugenics Society, which justified the White Australia Policy and Aboriginal child removal.
Baldwin Spencer Building
Named after an anthropologist tied to colonial extraction and the dehumanisation of Aboriginal people.
Sutherland Theatre
Named after Alexander Sutherland, whose work promoted racial hierarchy and Anglo-Saxon superiority.
Rivett Theatre
Named after David Rivett, associated with the Eugenics Society and the White Australia Policy.
Agar Theatre
Named after Wilfred Eade Agar, president of the Eugenics Society.

These histories still shape who feels safe and welcome on campus today.

📊 What students are experiencing
  • Over 1 in 3 students have experienced or witnessed racism
  • 46% experience casual racism (microaggressions)
  • 21% experience overt racism
👀 Racism isn’t always obvious
  • Eurocentric curriculum
  • Silencing of non-white voices
  • International students treated like “cash cows”
  • Racist jokes, stereotypes & microaggressions

🧠 Interactive: Is this racism?

Click each scenario to reveal the answer.

💬 “Where are you really from?”
Yes. This can other and exclude people, implying they don’t belong.
📚 A course only teaches Western perspectives
Yes. This reinforces Eurocentrism and erases diverse knowledge systems.
😂 “It’s just a joke, don’t be so sensitive.”
Dismissing racism as humour is a common way harm is minimised.
💥 What YOU can do
  • Call it out in class, accommodation and leadership spaces
  • Challenge “jokes”, silence and exclusion
  • Demand accountability from the University
  • Support students of colour — believe them

📄 Read the Racism Report

Week 6: Classism

Definition: Prejudice or discrimination on the basis of social class. It includes individual attitudes, behaviours, systems of policies and practices that are set up to benefit the upper class at hte expense of the lower class.

Classism impacts students in ways that are often invisible. Financial hardship can affect access to housing, food, opportunities, wellbeing, and safety both on campus and at home.

💸 What classism can look like
  • Skipping meals to afford study costs
  • Living in unsafe or overcrowded housing
  • Missing out on events or networking due to cost
  • Working long hours while studying to survive
  • Feeling excluded because of financial background
🚫 Debunking the Myth

Myth: “Classism doesn’t exist anymore.”

Reality: Classism still shapes who can fully participate in university life and who has access to safety, support, and opportunity.

💸 Cost of Uni Reality Check

Tick what applies to you and see how quickly costs add up:

Estimated weekly cost: $0

🧠 Interactive: Is this classism?

Click each scenario to reveal the answer.

💬 “Everyone can afford the ticket, it’s only $30.”
Not necessarily. Assuming everyone can afford costs ignores financial differences and can exclude students.
🏠 A student stays in unsafe housing because moving is too expensive.
Yes. Financial hardship can directly impact safety at home.
📚 A student skips buying textbooks because rent comes first.
Yes. Financial barriers can impact educational access and success.
💥 What YOU can do
  • Be mindful that not every student has the same financial resources
  • Avoid assumptions or jokes about money
  • Advocate for accessible and affordable opportunities
  • Support friends experiencing financial hardship without judgement
  • Access free groceries through student welfare initiatives
  • Access free food events throughout semester
  • Access free period products
  • Access free legal advice
Week 7: Queerphobia

Definition: Fear, hatred, distrust, or discrimination directed at LGBTQIA+ individuals and the queer community, encompassing homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.

Queerphobia includes prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards LGBTQIA+ people. It can show up in subtle everyday behaviours or more overt harm, and impacts how safe people feel both on campus and at home.

👀 What queerphobia can look like
  • Deadnaming or misgendering someone
  • Making jokes or comments about LGBTQIA+ identities
  • Assuming heterosexuality or binary gender
  • Excluding queer students from spaces or conversations
  • Dismissive comments like “it’s just a phase”
  • Creating environments where people don’t feel safe to be out
💥 What YOU can do
  • Respect names and pronouns — always
  • Challenge queerphobic language or jokes
  • Don’t assume someone’s identity
  • Create inclusive spaces in your clubs, classes, and homes
  • Listen to and support LGBTQIA+ students
  • Keep learning — allyship is ongoing
📝 How to change your name at UniMelb

You can update your name across University systems to better reflect your identity.

  • Log into your student portal
  • Update your preferred name in personal details
  • This name will appear on class lists, LMS, and most systems
  • For legal name changes, additional documentation may be required

For support, reach out to Stop 1 or UMSU Queer.

🧠 Interactive: Is this queerphobia?

Click each scenario to reveal the answer.

💬 “I’m going to keep using your old name, it’s just easier.”
Yes. This is deadnaming and can be harmful and invalidating.
🏳️‍🌈 Someone avoids mentioning their partner’s gender to feel safe.
This reflects an environment where people don’t feel safe being open about their identity.
😂 “It’s just a joke, don’t be so sensitive.”
Dismissing queerphobia as humour minimises harm and discourages people from speaking up.
Week 8: Clubs & Societies

Clubs should be spaces of belonging, safety and respect.

Clubs are some of the most powerful parts of uni life, they shape friendships, identity and community. But like any social space, they require active care to stay safe and inclusive.

🌱 Why join a club?
  • Clubs can create cultural safe spaces
  • Find communities that understand and celebrate who you are
  • Try something new without fear of judgment
  • Build social circles where people look out for you
  • Be respected. Your name, identity and boundaries matter
  • Show up as yourself,no pressure to change who you are
⚠️ Challenging club culture

Clubs are important spaces for belonging,but harm can still happen.

  • Exclusion or cliques
  • Pressure to drink or behave a certain way
  • Hazing or initiation practices
  • Discrimination or unsafe behaviour
💥 What YOU can do
  • Call it in early — don’t ignore harmful jokes or behaviour
  • Set expectations around respect, inclusion and consent
  • Look out for new members — no one should feel pressured or excluded
  • Share responsibility. Safety isn’t just for committees
  • Listen and act on feedback
  • Model the culture you want to see

🧠 Interactive: Is this safe club culture?

Click each scenario to reveal the answer.

🍻 “You have to drink to be part of the social night.”
No. This creates pressure and excludes students. Participation should never be conditional.
👀 A new member is left out of conversations at their first event.
This can create exclusion. Clubs should actively welcome and include new members.
😂 Harmful jokes are brushed off as “just banter.”
This normalises harm. Calling it in early helps set safer norms.

Did something happen that made you feel uncomfortable?

You deserve to feel safe in your club. If something doesn’t feel right, you can report it and get support.

Report It
Week 9: Accommodation

sometimes, the BIG conversations start @ home

Use our conversation guides to:

  • Reach out to your housemates and check in
  • Call out bad behaviour at home
  • Have difficult conversations
  • Check out UMSU’s Safe@Home resources
  • Go out to Yo-Chi or have dinner with someone and TALK
  • Contact your student leaders or accommodation staff for support
  • Join UMSU’s Residential Working Group

You’re not alone & you deserve to feel safe@home.

💬 Check-in guide

A simple check-in can make a big difference to someone’s safety and wellbeing.

🗣️

Keep it simple
you don’t need perfect words

⏳

Pick a good moment
quiet, private, not rushed

🤝

Be genuine
ask and listen without judgement

🚧

Respect boundaries
they might not want to talk

🔁

Follow up
one check-in can lead to ongoing support

💭 Simple ways to start

“Hey, how are you really going?” “I’ve noticed you seem a bit off — are you okay?” “Do you want to talk about anything?” “I’m here if you need anything.”

Checking in can make home a safer place for everyone.

⚠️ How to call it out

Calling things out early can stop harm, protect boundaries, and support others.

🧠

Keep it simple
no perfect speech needed

🎯

Focus on behaviour
not the person

🗨️

Use calm language
“Hey, that’s not okay here”

👀

Know your role
speak up, check in, or support

🛑

Prioritise safety
step back or get support

💬 Simple phrases you can use

“That’s not okay.” “Can we not do/say that here?” “I don’t think that’s funny.” “Let’s not normalise that.” “That crossed a line.”

You don’t have to handle everything alone — support is available.

Week 10: Activism

student voices have always changed this campus ✊

Student activism has shaped the University of Melbourne for generations — from fighting for student rights and welfare services, to challenging racism, sexism, war, discrimination and injustice.

Activism can mean protesting, organising, educating, supporting others, or simply speaking up when something isn’t right.

📚 Activism built your student union

Click each moment to learn more:

1960s–70s Student Protest Movements
Students organised against war, discrimination and political injustice, showing the power of collective action on campus.
Women's Liberation
Student activists fought for gender equality, reproductive rights, and safer campuses.
Queer Liberation
Students challenged exclusion and built safer spaces for LGBTQIA+ students at UniMelb.
Ongoing Student Advocacy
UMSU continues to advocate on housing, safety, accessibility, racism, Palestine solidarity, and student wellbeing.
🛡️ Know your rights when protesting
  • You have the right to peaceful assembly
  • You can ask police why you are being stopped
  • You do not have to answer every question
  • You can ask for legal support if needed
  • Attend protests with friends and plan your transport home
  • Charge your phone and share your location
  • Bring water, snacks and medications

🧠 Interactive: Is this activism?

Click each scenario to reveal the answer.

📢 Calling out harmful university policies
Yes. Advocacy and accountability are forms of activism.
🤝 Supporting friends at a rally and checking in
Yes. Community care and collective safety are activism too.
📚 Educating yourself before speaking up
Absolutely. Learning is an important part of meaningful activism.
🎒 Protest prep checklist
📱 Charged phone 🪪 Student ID 💧 Water bottle 🧢 Sun protection 👟 Comfortable shoes 🤝 Buddy system 🚆 Transport plan ⚖️ Know your rights
Week 11: Graduate Students

graduate study should feel safe and supported 🎓

Graduate students navigate unique challenges — balancing placements, supervision, research pressures, and often work or caring responsibilities. Safety matters in every part of that experience.

Whether you're on placement, in the lab, meeting with supervisors, or working off-campus, you deserve to feel safe, respected and supported.

👥 Get involved: Graduate Student Working Group

Want to improve graduate student safety, support and representation at UniMelb? Join UMSU’s Graduate Student Working Group and help shape advocacy, campaigns and university change.

📍 SAFE@PLACEMENTS: 8 practical ways to stay safe
📱

1. Save key contacts
Placement coordinator, supervisor, Safer Community, and a trusted friend.

🧭

2. Know where to go if something goes wrong
Find reporting pathways and support contacts before your first day.

🚆

3. Know your way home
Check transport, parking, or safe travel options in advance.

❓

4. Clarify expectations early
Ask about your role, hours, responsibilities, and who to go to for help.

📝

5. Take notes
Keep records of meetings, feedback, or anything that feels off.

🚪

6. Don’t stay behind alone
It’s okay to leave, ask for support, or say no if you feel unsafe.

📸

7. Screenshot & document concerns
Save messages, emails, roster changes, or incidents.

🤝

8. Ask for help early
Talk to your placement coordinator, UMSU Advocacy, or Safer Community.

🎓 Navigating supervisor relationships
  • Clarify communication boundaries and expectations early
  • Keep important conversations documented by email
  • Trust your instincts if something feels uncomfortable
  • You can seek support before making a formal complaint
  • You deserve respectful supervision and safe working conditions
🚨 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Save these contacts before your placement or off-campus work starts.

🚨

Immediate danger
Call 000
Police, Ambulance, Fire

🔐

University Security (24/7)
(03) 8344 6666
1800 246 066

🛡️

Safer Community
Support for concerning behaviour
(03) 9035 8675

💬

CAPS Counselling
Free confidential support
(03) 8344 6927

🌙

After-hours mental health
1300 219 459
Text: 0480 079 188

📱

SafeZone App
Emergency help, first aid, and security escorts.

🤝

UMSU Advocacy
Support with placements, complaints, and university processes.

💜

UMSU SHRC
Support for sexual harm or harassment.

You can ask for support before deciding whether to make a report.

Album cover - President