Need emergency assistance?
If you or someone you know is hurt or in immediate danger:
- call the emergency services on 000
- call Swinburne Security on +61 3 9214 3333 for 24-hour assistance including non-life-threatening incidences.
- for additional assistance outside business hours, refer to our 24/7 supports page
Contact Safer Community (non-emergency support and reporting)
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour, or if you are worried about safety or wellbeing, you can contact Safer Community for advice, support and reporting options.
You can share a concern online, including anonymously, or email safercommunity@swinburne.edu.au. You do not need to make a formal report to ask for help.
Not sure who to contact?
If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services on 000. If you need 24/7 assistance on campus, contact Swinburne Security on 03 9214 3333.
If something has happened that has made you feel unsafe, worried or unsure what to do next, Safer Community can help. You can contact Safer Community to ask for support, share a concern, make a report, refer a student or share information anonymously.
Safer Community
Safer Community is a specialist support and response team. We help students and staff respond to inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour.
You can contact us if something has happened to you, if you are worried about someone else, if you have witnessed concerning behaviour, or if you are not sure what to do next. You do not need to know what to call the behaviour before contacting us.
Safer Community can:
- listen to your concern and help you work out next steps
- talk with you about your options
- help with safety planning
- receive disclosures and reports about concerning behaviour
- provide advice if you are worried about someone else
- connect you with Swinburne or external support services
- explain whether a university process may apply.
You can contact Safer Community about behaviour that:
- makes you feel unsafe, worried, threatened or targeted
- causes harm or distress to you or someone else
- makes you worried about someone’s safety or wellbeing
- happens online, on campus, in student accommodation, on placement, during a Swinburne activity or off campus
- leaves you feeling unsure, uncomfortable or concerned that something is not right
The following examples can help you recognise the types of concerns Safer Community can respond to. You do not need to know the right name for what happened. If you are unsure where your concern fits, you can still contact us and we can help you work out the next step.
Examples of concerns you can share with Safer Community include:
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Bullying
Bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed at an individual or group that creates a risk to their health and safety.
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Cyber harassment
If you’re being harassed online or fall victim to a cybercrime Swinburne can support you in resolving the matter.
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Sexual assault and sexual harassment
Sexual assault occurs when a person is forced, coerced or tricked into sexual acts against their will or without their consent.
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Discrimination, harassment and vilification
At Swinburne, we take a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment and vilification based on a person’s background or personal characteristics.
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Self-harm and suicidal behaviours
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal tendencies or is self-harming call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 support or learn more about the private and confidential services we offer at Swinburne.
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Stalking
Stalking occurs when someone repeatedly imposes unwanted communication and/or contact on a person that causes them to feel fear or distress.
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Family violence
The Family Violence Protection Act (2008) describes family violence as physically, sexually, emotionally or financially abusive behaviour towards a family member.
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Dangerous extremist views, cults and high control groups
At Swinburne, we take a zero-tolerance approach to expressing or promoting views in an unacceptable or potentially dangerous manner.
Share a concern or make a report
If you, or someone you know, has experienced or witnessed inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour, you can tell Safer Community online or by email.
You can use the online form to ask for support, share a concern, make a report, refer a student or share information anonymously. You can also email safercommunity@swinburne.edu.au.
You only need to share what you feel comfortable sharing. Information such as what happened, when and where it happened, who was involved and any immediate safety concerns can help us understand the situation and talk with you about options.
Contacting Safer Community does not automatically start a formal investigation. We can talk with you about your options, what support is available and what may happen next.
If you would like to know more before contacting us, visit the Share a concern or make a report page for information about using the online form, what happens next, your privacy and confidentiality, and frequently asked questions.
What happens after you contact Safer Community?
Safer Community will review the information you share and consider how we can best support you and respond to the concern.
If you provide your contact details, we may contact you to:
- check in and offer support
- ask for more information if needed
- talk through your options
- help with safety planning
- connect you with Swinburne or external support services
- explain whether a university process may apply
- discuss any immediate safety or wellbeing concerns.
- We will handle the information you share sensitively.
- Information is only shared where needed to provide support, respond to safety or wellbeing concerns, assess risk, respond to the concern, or meet legal or university obligations.
- There may be some situations where Safer Community needs to take action to keep you or others safe, respond to child safety concerns, or meet legal or university obligations.
- If we need to share information, we will aim to explain what may be shared, who it may be shared with and why.
- You can choose to share information anonymously. Anonymous information can still help Safer Community identify safety concerns and improve prevention and response efforts, but we may not be able to contact you, offer direct support, ask follow-up questions or provide updates.
- You can read more about how Swinburne manages personal and health information on the Swinburne privacy page.
Information for staff
If you are worried about a student’s safety, wellbeing or behaviour, you can contact Safer Community for advice or refer the student through the online form.
Where possible, talk with the affected student first. Explain why you are contacting Safer Community, what information you plan to share and what support may be available.
If the student does not want to be identified, you can still share de-identified information so Safer Community can provide advice, consider safety concerns and help Swinburne meet its obligations.
Staff should raise child safety and gender-based violence concerns with Safer Community.
Safety through prevention
Safer Community also works to prevent harm before it happens. We deliver education, training, awareness sessions and workshops for students and staff on topics such as respectful behaviour, responding to concerning behaviour, supporting someone who makes a disclosure and being an ethical and active bystander.
If you would like to learn more or organise a session for your class, team or student group, email SCprevention@swinburne.edu.au.
Help create a safer community
Everyone has a role in helping Swinburne feel safe and respectful. If you see behaviour that does not feel safe or respectful, you may be able to help.
Only step in directly if it is safe to do so. You can also support someone by checking in with them, asking others for help, contacting Security, sharing information with Safer Community or reporting the behaviour.
You might:
- check in with the person affected and ask if they are okay
- create a distraction or interrupt the situation if it is safe
- ask other people nearby for help
- contact Swinburne Security or emergency services if there is immediate danger
- share information with Safer Community
- avoid escalating the situation or putting yourself or others at risk.
If the behaviour is happening online, think about your safety and the safety of the person affected before responding.
You might:
- check in privately with the person affected
- save evidence, such as screenshots, if it is safe and appropriate
- report the behaviour through the platform
- share the concern with Safer Community
- avoid name-calling, bullying or escalating the situation
- contact emergency services or Security if there is an immediate safety risk.
For further information on calling out concerning online behaviour, visit the eSafety Commissioner website. Please also refer to our IT acceptable use guidelines.
Your feedback is important
We want our services, resources and reporting pathways to be clear, accessible and helpful. If Safer Community has supported you, or if there is something we could improve, we welcome your feedback.
Need to report a hazard, near miss or campus safety issue?
Use SwinRisk to report incidents, hazards and near misses.
If your concern is about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour involving a student, contact Safer Community instead.
Share a concern or make a report
If you, or someone you know, has experienced or witnessed inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour, you can tell Safer Community online. Use the online form to make a disclosure, ask for support, report a concern or share information anonymously. You can also email safercommunity@swinburne.edu.au.
Feel safe and secure on campus
Your safety is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we have 24/7 patrolling security professionals on and around campus, CCTV, and electronic key passes ensuring only authorised students and staff can access specific buildings.
Safety tips around campus
Located in busy suburbs, our campuses can be hives of activity. Although we have 24/7 security personnel, they can’t be everywhere at once.
Here are a few safety tips to ensure you stay safe on and around campus:
- Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Do not cross roads, tram lines, or busy intersections while on your phone or mobile device. Ensure it’s in your pocket or in your bag. If you’re using earphones, only use one earplug so you can hear sounds around you.
- Always keep your valuables with you. Do not leave your items unattended.
- Walk in well-lit areas in pairs or groups if possible. Use the security escort service (+61 3 9214 3333) to get to your car or public transport safely.
- Avoid parking your car in an isolated area. Close and lock all doors and windows and don’t leave valuables in sight in your car.
- If you’re waiting for the train at Glenferrie Station, ensure you stand behind the yellow line on the platform.
- Keep your belongings close to you and within your view.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, i.e. don’t look at your phone for extended periods or while crossing roads.
- Keep your valuables out of sight of others, e.g. keep your phone zipped up in bag.
- Always bring your phone or a phone card with you.
- Leave valuables at home if you don’t need them, e.g. passport, iPad etc.
- Do not engage with strangers.
- Take note of the safety features around you, i.e. CCTV, police officers and security staff.
- If using headphones, keep the volume low so you can hear what’s going on around you.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Check timetables before your journey to avoid long waits.
- If you’re travelling alone, let someone know your travel schedule.
- Sit nearest to the driver on trams and buses, and nearest to the emergency button on trains.
- Avoid isolated stops.
- Approach a Protective Services Officer (PSO) for safety advice or in an emergency.
- If you feel uncomfortable, get up and move away.
- Pre-plan your trip to your destination and home, e.g. book an Uber or taxi in advance, or check the public transport timetable.
- Do not hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
Need to contact security?
Campuses in Victoria
If you have concerns about your own or someone else’s safety on campus, Swinburne University's security team is available to help.
You can request services such as a security escort to your vehicle, ensuring a safe trip to your car, or report any issues related to personal safety. The security team is there to help with a variety of issues, from suspicious activity to lost property or general safety concerns.
Sarawak campus
Swinburne University Sarawak offers 24/7 campus security, with CCTV monitoring and on-campus security officers. For emergencies, dial 999 for police, ambulance or fire services. Alternatively, you can dial 082 – 260991 to contact campus security.
The security team can also assist with lost property and offer safety tips such as staying alert, keeping valuables secure, and avoiding isolated areas at night.
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What to do in an emergency
Whether you’re in Australia, in your home country, or studying overseas, at Swinburne, we provide support for you if you’re affected by an emergency. Learn more about what to do in an emergency.
We have security offices at all three of our Victorian campuses to ensure your safety and security.
Hawthorn campus:
Building TD, TD141, entry from Park St
Croydon campus:
Building CF, CF114, in the cafeteria
Wantirna campus:
Building WF
We’re committed to the health and safety of our contractors, suppliers, vendors and visitors.
Learn more about our induction requirements and guidelines.
To create a safe environment for our students under the age of 18 and for the children of our staff, students and visitors, Swinburne has implemented the Victorian Safe Child Standards.
Learn more about Child safety and our commitment.
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Mobile apps
From our learning management system, Canvas, to the Swinburne app equipped with class timetables, campus maps, security information and support from StudentHQ, these apps will help you navigate university life on the go.
Call Swinburne security
For on-campus emergencies, suspicious behaviour or personal safety concerns, contact the Swinburne security team by calling +61 3 9214 3333 from any Swinburne phone.