Personal safety

For students and staff

Everyone has the right to feel safe. If you’re a victim-survivor of a crime, it’s never your fault. Regardless of the circumstances, the offender is entirely responsible. But there are some things you can do to help you stay safe.

On campus

  • Keep your belongings with you and avoid leaving anything valuable unattended (e.g. don’t leave your laptop unattended in the library).
  • Properly store your bike by using the bike cages and bike lockup.
  • Save the number for Security in your phone or call Security using the Monash bSafe app if you need help on campus.
  • If you ever feel unsafe, use the services provided by Monash Security. You can arrange a free safety escort, or use the after-hours Security bus to get around campus or travel within a 2km radius of the campus.

In public

  • Don’t leave your mobile phone, laptop or tablet out in the open or unattended.
  • Keep your handbag, purse or wallet on or near you and don’t carry large quantities of cash.
  • Don’t give out personal information to strangers (e.g. your address).
  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings (e.g. look where you’re walking rather than at your phone; if you have headphones in, keep the volume low).
  • Look for safety features like CCTV cameras and police or security.
  • If you feel threatened, go to the nearest shop or house and ask the occupant to call the police.
  • If you see any trouble or suspect that trouble might be about to start, move away from the scene and alert the police.
  • Be wary of casual requests from strangers – someone asking for a cigarette, the time or change could have other motives.

Going out at night

  • Plan your trip to your destination and back again.
  • Never take a ride with a stranger.
  • Travel in a group (if possible).
  • Use footpaths and crossings and stick to well-lit areas.
  • Never leave your drinks unattended.
  • Know your own limits – if you’re not comfortable with something, say no.
  • Look after your friends.

Drink spiking

If you’re going out, you should keep track of your drinks and make sure you can see your drink being poured. Drink spiking is when someone deliberately adds alcohol or drugs to another person’s drink without their knowledge, which can leave them vulnerable to sexual assault, robbery and other harmful actions. Drink spiking can occur anywhere drinks are served, but you can take action to be prepared and seek support if something goes wrong.

At home

  • Keep windows and doors locked, especially at night.
  • Don’t open the door to strangers.
  • Don’t hide a key outside the house.
  • Keep valuables out of view from outside your home.

Using public transport

There are many security measures to help keep you safe on public transport, including guards, emergency assistance buttons, good lighting and security cameras. Most drivers have two-way radios and can call for assistance. And Victoria Police protective services officers patrol Melbourne’s train network from 6pm every night until the last scheduled service.

When you use public transport, it’s always best to:

  • check timetables in advance and, if you have a long wait, stay in a well-lit area or near an open shop
  • if travelling alone, plan your trip and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return home
  • at night, sit in a location nearest to the driver or staff
  • know the locations of emergency assistance buttons
  • place possessions on your lap if seated or at your feet if standing and keep an eye on them.

For additional tips, see public transport safety on the Victoria Police website.

Travelling by taxi or rideshare

  • Before you enter a taxi, note its ID number (on number plate and side of vehicle) and make sure the driver has photo ID with a 6-digit driver number (inside the vehicle).
  • Before you enter a rideshare car, make sure its registration number and driver match what you were given in the app, and ask who they’re waiting for before revealing your name.
  • Tell the driver the route you want to take to your destination and then follow along with your own GPS.
  • Ask the driver to start the meter for the fare.
  • Sit in the back seat so you can easily exit the vehicle should a dangerous situation arise.
  • Choose your preferred company and driver (you have the right to cancel your rideshare or taxi if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable). Best to choose a rideshare company that performs police checks on its drivers.

On a weekend night, you can catch a taxi at one of Melbourne’s ‘Safe City’ taxi ranks:

  • Queen Street – between Little Collins and Bourke Streets
  • Flinders Street Station – on Swanston Street opposite Federation Square
  • 190 Bourke Street – near Russell Street
  • 8 King Street – between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane.

Car safety

  • Always lock your car.
  • Check inside your car before you get in.
  • Regularly change where you park.
  • Always have your car key in your hand before you enter the car park.
  • Don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle especially not in sight (including coins).

Helping others

Our community here at Monash is all about respect, safety and looking out for each other. There are many ways we can be an active bystander when we witness violence, abuse or unacceptable behaviour.

As an active bystander, you should:

  • assess the situation and intervene if it’s safe
  • listen to the person who is being harmed and ask them how you can support them
  • address the issue directly or distract the person causing the problem to make sure the person at risk is alright (if it’s safe to do so)
  • delegate to someone with authority (e.g. police or security) by reporting the incident
  • use the Monash bSafe app to contact emergency services or use the resource section to find out what to do next
  • let the person who is affected know about the support options available to them
  • follow up with the person who is affected at a later stage (if possible).

For more information, see the Victoria Police personal safety page.