Staying safe

Sexual harassment is never OK. If this has happened to you, help is available.

Victims of violence or unwanted behaviour are not at fault.

There are things in place at VCB to help you stay safe, and things to be aware of in social situations.

Campus Safety and Security

If you're on campus in a situation that is making you concerned, phone Campus Safety and Security on 02 6773 2099.

Help phones — Located around campus, help phones provide a free direct line to the Safety and Security team.

They're on call 24/7.

Bus services — on campus and to town

Free shuttle-bus service to your car or home
Available from a specified route around campus and in town, the shuttle-bus service will drop you at your car or back into town. See the shuttle-bus pick-up points and scheduled times.

From 10.00 pm till dawn, the shuttle-bus service runs on the academic campus by request
— phone 02 6773 2099.

Free bus transport to the college residents
College students are encouraged to make use of the free transport service ‘Stro bus service to college'.

Things to be aware of in social situations

Drink spiking

Drink spiking occurs when alcohol and other drugs are placed in your drink without your knowledge.

The most common drug used for drink spiking is extra alcohol. Young women are more commonly the targets of drink spiking and the harms resulting can include sexual assault, unsafe sex and robbery.

You can reduce the risk of drink spiking by:

  • watching your drinks being poured
  • not leaving your drink unattended
  • not accepting a drink from anyone you don’t know well, or trust.

If you think a friend may have been affected by drink spiking, do not leave them alone. Seek medical attention.

For more information on drink spiking, see Alcohol Think Again.

Make smart decisions

You do not need to drink alcohol or use other drugs to have a good time.

Be aware that mixing alcohol and drugs can put you at greater risk.

Don't mix alcohol with energy drinks — the mix can mask the effect of the alcohol and you may not feel as drunk as you are, and may take more risks.

Be informed about how drugs affect you: see the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's drug facts.

Keep your wits about you, and trust your own judgement or gut instinct. If a situation does not feel right, it probably is not.

Stay close to friends you trust, and look after each other.

If you are faced with a situation that could possibly get violent, walk away.

When entering and exiting a venue or event, take note of conditions of entry e.g. lock out times, excessive queues and pass-outs, as you may not be able to get back in.

Take regular breaks from dancing to prevent overheating.

Seek help immediately if you are worried about yourself or someone else.

Remember, the safest choice is not to get drunk or take recreational drugs!

Get home safely

Never get in a car if the driver has been drinking or taking drugs.

It is safer not to accept a lift from a stranger, including if you have just met them.

If you have driven your own car and end up drinking alcohol and/or taking other drugs, leave your car where it is and find a safe way home with either of the following:

If you get stuck without a lift home, consider calling a sober friend or family member to pick you up. They may be annoyed, but they will be more upset if you do not get home safely.

If your mobile phone is about to go flat, let someone know what time to expect you back.

Always stay with a buddy.