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Prevention of assault

It is vital that you exercise vigilance in avoiding situations where you are at risk of physical assault.

It is also essential that you are armed with some knowledge on how to defend yourself in the face of a potential attacker. Being prepared to ward off a physical assault – be it assault with intent to rob you or sexual assault – should be a part of your staying safe strategy.

Take charge of your own safety

You should have a safety plan in place. RMIT Security can assist you with developing some strategies to reduce your chances of being a victim of assault.

Be on guard against assault – when you are both on and off campus. Use your common sense and take note of the following tips:

  • Be alert and walk purposefully. Confidence deters attackers.
  • Be wary of strangers – on foot or in cars – asking for directions. It is better to be rude than to be in trouble.
  • If you think that someone is following you, go to a place where there are other people.
  • Respect your intuition. Don't allow your rational mind to override your “sixth sense”. It could protect you from danger.
  • When you're socialising, play smart. One drink too many could make you vulnerable.

Commuting safely to University by public transport

If you commute to and from University by public transport, you should be on alert against suspicious behaviour.

  • Obtain copies of your travel timetable to avoid long waits, especially if you're alone.
  • Avoid sitting in empty, closed-in shelters. Stand in open, populated areas in full view of the tram, bus or train.
  • Avoid empty train carriages and, where possible, take an aisle seat.
  • Phone for taxis rather than hailing them. If possible, have someone see you off; keep a note of the taxi number; sit in the back seat opposite the side to the driver; and don't disclose personal information.

Commuting safely to University by car

If you commute to and from University by car, exercise caution when entering or getting out of your vehicle.

  • Park in well-lit, busy areas.
  • Hold your keys ready to open the door and be prepared to use them to jab an attacker.
  • Check the back seat or hatch for intruders before getting into the car.
  • Once inside, lock all doors and (if possible) and leave windows up until you've reached your destination safely.
  • The Victorian Police has three simple tips when you leave your car: LOOK, LOCK,LEAVE.

Using public telephones

If you need to make a phone call and you do not have access to a mobile phone, take precautions when using a public telephone. Always carry change or a phone card. You may need to call a taxi, friend, family member or RMIT Security if you're stranded or nervous.

  • When you have dialed the number, turn your back to the phone and speak looking outwards.
  • If someone threatens you, dial 000 (a free call to the Police Department) or if you are in close proximity to RMIT, ring Security on 9925 3333.
  • If you call the Police or Security, give your name, telephone box number and location first. If someone tries to get into the phone booth, sit down and brace yourself against the door.

Methods of warding off an attacker

There is no one way to protect your self. In the event of a situation where you are faced with a possible assault, you will need to rapidly assess the situation and then immediately decide what suits you in the circumstances. The two basic methods of defence are:

Active resistance

Active resistance is an immediate assault on your attacker. The purpose is to startle or temporarily incapacitate the other person so that you can escape. Any act of active resistance should only be used for the purpose of breaking the attacker’s grip and for providing a means of escape. You can:

  • Scream loudly to attract attention
  • Strike at a vulnerable area (eyes, throat, groin)
  • Stomp on the attacker’s foot
  • Jab an elbow into the attacker’s midriff if attacked from the side or from behind
  • Activate a personal alarm close to the attacker’s ear

Use anything you are carrying or have available to repel an attack and give you time to escape: keys, umbrella, handbag, backpack, a rolled-up newspaper, even an item of clothing thrown over the other person’s head may give you the opportunity and the time to escape.

You may take any action, which can be seen as reasonable, and in proportion with the circumstances with which you are faced.

Passive resistance

Passive resistance involves using your imagination to delay an unwanted advance or attack while looking for a chance to escape. Try not to panic, talk to the other person in a calm and confident voice and choose tactics that will not inflame the situation and will leave you able to try something else if a certain approach is not working.

No single method is foolproof or is the best one in any given situation. It is important that you take advantage of these methods by undertaking full training.

In the event of an assault

If you are a victim of an assault on campus, it is essential that you immediately seek help.

Contact RMIT Security on 9925 3333. RMIT Security will then contact the police on your behalf.

Remember that unreported sexual attacks may lead to the attacker re-offending. RMIT Security will treat the matter in a strictly confidential way. You are the victim. You have nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about.

If you are assaulted off campus, contact 000 and ask to be put through to the police

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