UniSafe

General information

The UniSafe program aims to alert students, staff and visitors to personal safety issues and to maximise personal safety within the University of Sydney (this information is available as a brochure from the Security Service office, the Information Centre in the Quadrangle, information desk in the Fisher Library, student contact desk in the Wentworth and Holme buildings and at the Residential College reception desks).

Personal safety

The University cares about your safety; we can all help make the campus safer for everyone by:
  • Recognising and avoiding potentially risky situations.
  • Reporting any suspicious behaviour to the University Security Services.
Tips to help you take charge of your own personal safety:
  • Walk tall, be proud to be alive and don't look scared.
  • Confidence deters attackers.
  • Carry a personal alarm, be prepared to scream "No!" loudly and run if threatened.
  • Avoid lonely or gloomy places, especially at night - walk with a friend, form a group, or stay with a crowd.
  • Be aware of the people around you: fellow students, staff and others.
  • Be wary of strangers, on foot or in cars, asking directions. It's better to be rude than to be in trouble.
  • If someone follows you, go to a place where there are other people.
  • Respect your intuition. Don't allow rationality to override your "sixth sense". It could protect you from danger.
  • Conceal valuable items or carry them in front of you, in an inside pocket, or under your arm.
  • When you're socialising, play smart. One drink too many could make you vulnerable. Stick with responsible friends.
Taking public transport:
  • Know your timetables to avoid long waits - especially if you're alone.
  • Avoid lonely, closed-in shelters. Keep to open, populated areas in full view of cars, bus or train.
  • Use preferred pedestrian routes through campus, particularly to Redfern Station.
  • Avoid empty train carriages, and where possible take an aisle seat.
  • If possible, phone for taxis rather than hailing them, and have someone see you off and keep note of the taxi number. Sit in the back seat on the opposite side to the driver, and don't disclose personal information.
Taking your car:
  • Park in well-lit and busy areas.
  • Hold your keys ready to open the door.
  • Check the back seat or hatch for intruders before getting into the car.
  • Once inside, lock all doors and leave windows up until you've reached your destination.
  • Don't leave valuable belongings on view in your car.
  • Move your car closer if you plan to be on campus after dark.
Public telephones:
  • Always carry change or a phone card. You may need to call a taxi, friend, family member or Security if you're stranded or nervous.
  • When you have dialled, turn your back to the phone and speak looking outwards.
  • If threatened dial 000 (a free call to the Police) or dial Security on (02) 9351 3333.
  • If you call the Police or Security, give your name, telephone box number and location first. If someone tries to get into the phone booth, sit down and brace yourself against the door.
Preferred main campus pedestrian route to redfern station:
  • Along Eastern Avenue to City Road gate, past Wentworth to the Noel Martin Sports Centre, left to the Engineering gates, along Shepherd Street to Abercrombie Street, then up Lawson Street to Redfern Station (refer to: "Preferred Pedestrian Routes" below).
  • On campus, this route will be patrolled by Security Staff, and Redfern Police keep an eye on the public streets.
  • If travelling from Redfern Station, aim to be there prior to 10.00pm.
  • On the platform, wait in the NightSafe area.
Security shuttle bus:
  • The University Security Service offers a Shuttle Bus service to Redfern Station. The route and timetables are readily available (refer to: "Security Bus Timetable").
  • Contact Security on (02) 9351 3487 if a pick-up from some other location is required, or if you want to check the next bus arrival.
If you think you are in danger:
  • Phone Security or Police (refer to: "Emergency").
  • If this is not possible, shout loudly to attract attention or go to a busy place.
  • Get to know your campus, think about your movements and arrange them sensibly.
Working around the campus:
  • Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
  • Keep your door locked, particularly if you are in a room by yourself after normal working hours.
  • Always lock the door of your room if leaving for any length of time.
Late night escorts:
  • Do not walk alone around the campus at night.
  • For those who have to work later than the Security Bus Service, the Security Office can provide an escort to your vehicle, college or public transport. There is no charge for this service, but at least 10 to 15 minutes notice is required. If our services are stretched we will give an estimate of waiting time.
Where to go for help:
Report any suspicious behaviour on campus to Security, no matter how minor it may appear. Prompt reporting of incidents helps prevent recurrences. Advice and help is also available from the University Health Service, Counselling Services, Personnel Service, Equal Employment Office, the Union, the SRC, SUPRA and the Colleges.

Preferred pedestrian routes

The University makes every effort to keep its community safe. However, personal safety is everyone's responsibility. Like anywhere, some routes and roads on campus are safer than others - because they are main thoroughfares, better lit, more closely patrolled, etc. Be aware of security contact and emergency points (refer to: "Emergency").
Security Contact points may be:
  • Push button hand free phones.
  • Breakglass emergency buttons.
  • Public access dedicated dial (DD) phones.

These Help Points allow you to contact Security staff, who operate on the Campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (refer to: "Emergency" and "Patrol"). Security Officers have radio communication and can provide a rapid response. They will also advise other Emergency Services, such as Police, Fire and Ambulance, when required. Keep to well-beaten tracks.

The heading "Safe Walking Route" below links to a map that outlines safe walking routes we suggest you follow, especially when walking by yourself. The map also indicates the emergency help points, in the event that you require urgent assistance.

Tips to keep in mind:
  • Get to know the campus as soon as you can.
  • Be alert and walk purposefully.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, avoid ill-lit, lonely areas.
  • Avoid undergrowth and be cautious when rounding building corners or past laneways.
  • When possible, walk in pairs, or better still, in groups. Be aware of people around you.
  • If being followed, go to a place where there are other people.
  • Carry a personal alarm.
  • Park in well-lit, busy areas; walk carrying your keys, ready to open car doors; and check the interior of your vehicle before entering.
  • Try not to carry more money than you need.
  • Report any suspicious activity to Security and Police.
  • Never leave your belongings unattended, even for a moment, especially at food outlets, libraries and toilets.
  • If working in your office late at night, make sure your doors are secure.
  • Don't leave tempting belongings in sight in your car.
  • Drive with your doors locked, and windows up, especially when negotiating traffic lights.
  • Carry bags close to your body and/or under coats and jackets. Be aware of snatch-and-grab thieves.
  • Do not get into physical fights over personal belongings. Your life and well-being are worth more.

Preferred pedestrian routes (map)

Safe walking route map:
A link to the map showing safe walking routes on Camperdown and darlington campuses.

Risk of sexual assault

The University is a community. We must all work together to make our campus as safe as we can for everybody.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is a criminal offence. It includes sexual harassment, unwanted touching, indecent assault and penetration of any kind. It is important to remember that it can happen to anyone and at any time.

What can be done to minimise the risk of being sexually assaulted?

Sometimes being sexually assaulted is very hard to avoid, but certain precautions may make it more difficult for a possible perpetrator.

General tips:

  • Walk with confidence and purpose.
  • Carry a personal alarm, or be prepared to scream "No!" loudly and get away if threatened.
  • Try to remove yourself from a threatening situation as soon as possible and in any way possible.
  • Make yourself familiar with self defence principles. A suggestion for self defence courses might be the Women's Sports Association on (02) 9351 2057.
  • Avoid lonely or gloomy places, especially at night. Walk with a friend, form a group or stay with a crowd.
  • Be aware of the people around you - fellow students, staff and others.
  • Be wary of strangers, on foot or in cars, asking directions. It's better to be rude than to be in trouble.
  • If someone follows you, go to a place where there are other people.
  • Respect your intuition. Don't allow rationality to over ride your "sixth sense", it could protect you from danger.
  • When you're socialising, play smart. Drink in a way that leaves you in control. Don't leave drinks unattended at parties because it is easy to put an illicit substance in them and never let drug/alcohol affected friend leave the party with a stranger.
  • Make use of Security Service. These include: a free security bus service (refer to: "Security Bus"); late night security escorts (for those that work later than the security bus service - the Security Office can provide an escort to your vehicle, college or public transport); late night study room; after hours first aid emergency help points (refer to: "Emergency").

What should I do if a sexual assault does happen?

It can be very hard to tell someone that you have been sexually assaulted. Anyone reporting sexual assault has the right to decide what services they want and whether or not they want to involve the Police. It is important to remember that, as a victim of a serious crime, you have rights in relation to the way you are treated by people who work for the services that assist you. The Charter of Victims Rights in NSW provides for this fair treatment.

On campus:

The first point of contact is University Security if the sexual assault has just occurred and you need immediate help (refer to: "Emergency"). Advice and help is also available from the University Health Service, Counselling Services and the Residential Colleges.

Sexual harassment is generally defined as any unwanted behaviour that has sexual implications. This can involve jokes, staring, touching, the display of offensive pictures or drawings, threats or rewards to secure sexual involvement, even sexual assault. Sexual harassment is illegal under the Sex Discrimination Act (1984). To find out more about your options for making a complaint or if you just want to speak to someone, call the Student's Representative Council on (02) 9660 5222 or the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association on (02) 9351 6402.

Off campus:

Sexual Assault Service

The first point of contact, especially if a sexual assault has just occurred and you want to report it, would be your closest Sexual Assault Service.
The nearest one to the Darlington and Camperdown Campuses is located at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown on (02) 9515 7566 or (02) 9515 6111 (after hours). Other Sexual Assault Services are listed in the Government Services Index in the front of the A-K Sydney White Pages.

Sydney Rape Crisis Centre

Sydney Rape Crisis Centre is a 24 hour telephone and information service. It can also refer you to other non-government counselling services which provide specialised counselling for adults and children who have experienced sexual assault. Their phone numbers are:

Sydney: (02) 9819 6565

NSW Country: 1800 42 4017

TTY: (02) 9181 4349 (for persons with a hearing impairment).

Police

Sexual assault is a crime. Before the Police can do anything you will need to make a statement to an officer who is specially trained to respond to people who have experienced sexual assault. These police are called IROC officers. Telephone your local Police Station or call 000 and ask for Police. Police are listed in your Area Telephone Book under Police Service.

TTY (Sydney Police Headquarters): (02) 9211 3776

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