The role of the Safer Community Program is to support the University of Melbourne to provide as safe and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer, asexual and questioning, staff and visitors.
If you have experienced or witnessed any form of discrimination, harassment, or other types of inappropriate behaviour, you can speak to us about accessing support and if you want to, making a report or complaint to the University.
The Safer Community Program advisors have expertise in gender affirmation, sexual misconduct, family and intimate partner violence, discrimination, personal and online safety. They can connect you to university support and LGBTIQA+ friendly services in the community.
Contact us by phone +61 3 9035 8675 or email safer community@unimelb.edu.au.
The Safer Community Program advisors can help you navigate the university’s reporting and complaint processes. They can provide you information about reporting options or how to make a complaint about the behaviour of students or staff members.
Reporting and Complaint options
- Inappropriate workplace behaviour line: You can make a confidential report about inappropriate employee behaviour such unlawful discrimination; sexual harassment; harassment; sexual assault; bullying; stalking; victimisation, or vilification (Phone: 1800 685 463).
- Speak Safely Portal. The Speak Safely portal allows you to speak safely about sexual assault, harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour. You can choose to remain anonymous and can access support or seek action from your nominated response area.
For information on submitting a complaint or grievance as a student visit the University's Student complaints and grievances page.
University Security
If you are worried about your immediate safety in and around campus, you can contact University Security at any time by calling 03 8344 6666 or 1800 246 066 (free call). In any life-threatening situation, always call Victorian emergency services first via 000.
SafeZone App
Download the free mobile phone application called ‘SafeZone’ from Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store. The app allows you to quickly share your location and details with the University Security team who will be able to get the right assistance to you.
Blue Phones
Blue emergency help phone booths at various points in the Parkville, Southbank, Burnley and Werribee campuses are a contact point with University Security if you feel threatened, need security, or require security information. Activate the phone by pressing the 'emergency' button. Pressing this button generates an alarm in the security control room and activates CCTV cameras. A security officer will answer the call and dispatch help if required. You can find emergency phone locations on the Parkville and Southbank campuses on the University's map website.
Additional support
- Pride in Action Ally Network: Aims to bring together LGBTQIA+ identifying staff and students, along with their allies, to share information and foster an inclusive workplace and learning environment.
- UMSU Queer Department: Advocates for and supports queer communities on campus.
- Pride in Sport: Aims to provide a safe place for LGBTQIA+ identifying people to participate in sport.
- Rainbow Door: Free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family (Runs 10am-5pm, 7 days p/week. Phone: 1800 729 367).
- QLife: National service providing anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia (Runs 3pm-midnight, 7 days p/week. Phone: 1800 184 527).
- Black Rainbow: National Indigenous owned and operated organisation supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB people.
- Transgender Victoria: Victoria's leading body for trans and gender diverse people, working to achieve justice, equity and inclusion.