Personal safety

These simple tips can help you be safer at home and when you're out.

Download the Personal Safety fact sheet.

On campus

• Keep your belongings with you.
• Keep the number for Campus Security in your phone.
• When leaving campus late, walk with friends or call a Security Escort to walk with you.
• If you need assistance on campus call Security.
• Park in the university car park.
• Use the after-hours VU Shuttle Bus to the train station.
• Download the VUSafe app.

Using transport

• In a car, wear a seatbelt.
• Check public transport timetables in advance.
• At night sit in a carriage nearest to the driver.
• Be aware of emergency assistance buttons.
• If you feel uncomfortable get up and move.
• Avoid isolated stops.
• If travelling alone, let someone know your travel schedule.
• Keep your belongings close to you.

In public

• Keep your belongings out of sight, e.g. don’t have you phone visible in your back pocket or leave your bag unzipped.
• Be aware of the people around you.
• Leave valuables at home, e.g. your passport.
• Don’t give out personal information, e.g. your address.
• Be alert and aware, e.g. look where you walk, not at your phone.
• Keep your phone with you, or have money or a phone card.
• Notice safety features such as CCTV cameras and police or security staff.
• Pay attention, if you have headphones in keep the volume low.
• Download a personal safety app, such as bSafe.

Going out at night

• Plan your trip there and home, e.g. book a taxi or uber in advance, or look up the public transport timetable.
• Never hitch hike or take a ride from a stranger.
• Have safety precautions ready to use, such as a whistle and light with you, or in an app.
• Travel in a group if you can.
• Use footpaths, crossings, and stick to well-lit areas.
• If you feel threatened by someone, tell them to stop loudly or ask someone else for assistance.

At home

• Keep windows and doors locked, especially at night.
• Don’t open the door for strangers.
• Leave a light on when out at night, in particular a sensor light.
• Be fire safe, install smoke detectors and develop a fire escape plan.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Have a neighbour collect your mail if you’re away.
• Don’t hide a key outside the house.
• Keep valuables out of view from outside your home, including packaging from expensive items in rubbish bins.
• Install an alarm or get a dog to deter intruders.

Remember your safety first. Help others only if it is safe to do so.

If you see something concerning there are things you can do to help:

• ask the person if they are OK or they need help
• draw attention to the situation, for example tell a threatening person to stop, or bring their behaviour to other people’s attention
• seek assistance from others, especially staff, security or police
• call for help, security on campus (9919 6666) or emergency services off campus (000).

External resources about helping others

• Victoria Police helping others
• Step up! Helping strategies