Monday 11 May is Are You Safe at Home? Day – a national awareness campaign led by Safe + Equal that encourages people to start conversations about family violence and support those who may be experiencing it.
Family violence is not always obvious. It could affect someone you see every day – a friend, classmate or family member. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth paying attention to that feeling.
You don’t need to be an expert to support someone. This May, start the conversation.
Check in with yourself
Ask yourself:
- Do you feel safe where you live?
- Do you feel pressured, controlled or fearful in a relationship?
- Do you feel like you are constantly managing someone else’s reactions?
These questions can be difficult to think about, but you deserve to feel safe at home and in your relationships.
Are you worried about someone else?
You might notice a friend becoming withdrawn, anxious or uncomfortable talking about home. They may seem isolated or be constantly checked up on by someone else.
Sometimes, simply checking in can help someone feel less alone.
One simple question can help
Asking “Are you safe at home?” can feel awkward, but it can open the door to support.
If you ask someone:
- choose a private and safe moment
- listen without interrupting
- believe what they tell you
You do not have to fix the situation. Simply being there can make a difference.
Student Wellbeing Connect is here to support you
If you’re worried about your safety at home or in a relationship – or you’re concerned about someone else – Student Wellbeing Connect is here to support you. Student Wellbeing Connect can provide help in situations where seeing a counsellor might not be enough or you might need something slightly different.
Our team includes social workers and psychologists who can listen, help you explore your options and connect you with other support options when needed.
What you can expect
When you connect with us, we can:
- listen to what matters to you
- support you with personal and study-related concerns
- talk through practical support options
- connect you with La Trobe and community services
- respect your privacy and confidentiality
- work with other university services when helpful and with your consent
How to get support
Student Wellbeing Connect is here to help. You can get in touch by:
- submitting an online enquiry form
- emailing wellbeing.checkin@latrobe.edu.au if you have previously connected with Wellbeing Services
- visiting the Health and Wellbeing Centre at our Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
More support and resources
There are many internal and external support options for anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic, family or intimate-partner violence.
La Trobe support options
- Emergency support: Call 000 in an emergency, then contact La Trobe Security on 9479 2222.
- Safer Community: Support for concerning, threatening or inappropriate behaviour, including sexual harm and family violence.
- Wellbeing Services: Free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support for students.
- Crisis Line: Out-of-hours mental health and wellbeing support. Call 1300 146 307 or text 0488 884 100. Available 5pm–9am weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.
External support options
- Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support – call 13 11 14.
- Switchboard: LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral services.
- Beyond Blue: Phone, online chat and mental health support services.
- Headspace: Mental health support for young people aged 12–25.