VU wants children and young people to be safe, respected, engaged and happy within the VU community. VU is committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all young people. 

This includes:

  • A commitment to the cultural safety of young people with Aboriginal heritage and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
  • A commitment to the social and psychological safety of young people of all sexualities and gender identities, including intersex young people
  • A commitment to enabling the full participation of young people with disabilities.

Report a concern

VU's protection of children & young people

VU is committed to preventing child abuse or harm by or through the early identification of risks in the University environment and the removal and reduction of those risks.

VU has robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, which explicitly consider child safety and wellbeing. VU is also committed to regularly training and educating its staff on the risks of child abuse or harm.

VU has zero tolerance of child abuse or harm, and all allegations and safety concerns made to VU will be treated very seriously and consistently in line with VU's policies and procedures.

VU has policies and procedures to guide and support its leadership team and staff to achieve these commitments to provide a child-safe environment. These include:

The Staff Code of Conduct clearly establishes acceptable and unacceptable behaviours for VU staff, students, volunteers and council members. 

We regularly review our practices, policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with the Commonwealth Child Safety Framework and the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

 

Report child abuse

If you have immediate safety concerns about a child or young person, please call 000.

If you have general safety concerns about a child or young person, contact the Child Protection intake office where the child lives.

After 5pm and on weekends, contact the Child Protection after hours service on 13 12 78.

Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP)

The CCYP can help you with the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme, including how to formally report a concern.

Tel: 1300 78 29 78 email: contact@ccyp.vic.gov.au

Safer Community

All child safety concerns should be reported to Safer Community.

Safer Community is the initial contact and referral point for those who have child safety concerns, as outlined in Safety and Welfare of Children and Young People Procedure

Working with children

Working with children check - Department of Justice and Community Safety
Get information about the check, apply for or renew your working with children check. 

If you are a current VU staff member, contractor, volunteer or council member, please direct any queries about Working with Children Checks to People and Culture. (email peopleandculture@vu.edu.au or log a request in People First (login required))

 

Seek advice & support

Off campus

For young people Kids Help Line

For those impacted by sexual abuse ‘‘Reach Out’

For families needing help Child First/ Orange Door.

1800 Respect

Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au

1800 RESPECT provides 24/7 telephone and online crisis support, information and immediate referral to specialist counselling for anyone in Australia who has experienced or been impacted by sexual assault, or domestic or family violence.

Lifeline

Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au

Lifeline is a 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention 

Victoria Aboriginal Child Care Agency

Call the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency - 03 9459 7030
Provides counselling, healing and culturally appropriate support for Indigenous Australians.

On campus

  • Safer Community provides advice, assistance and referrals.
    Contact Safer Community on 9919 5707 or email safer.community@vu.edu.au.
  • Counselling provides free and confidential support for students.
    Call Counselling Services on 9919 5400 for an appointment.

Other useful links & resources