Violence Prevention

The Violence Prevention team includes the Violence Prevention Coordinator and Violence Prevention Health Promoter. Volunteer Violence Prevention Student Ambassadors also support some initiatives. The Service provides initiatives that are aimed at the whole university community with the intention of preventing interpersonal violence before it occurs. These initiatives include workshops, online learning, campaigns and events.

The Violence Prevention Coordinator role includes providing advice to the University Community to mobilise community action and response. If you are a staff member requiring advice to support a student, please contact the Violence Prevention Coordinator, Mikaela Walsh - [email protected]. Please do not provide any student details in the correspondence for confidentiality reasons.

Where can I find support?

The Student Health Service is able to provide on-campus support, resources and referrals for students experiencing interpersonal violence. This includes support from the General Practice (including the Tauranga Student Health Nurse), the Mental Health and Wellbeing team, and wider Student Health team or Bay Counselling and Therapy (Tauranga).

For information on campus security go to Student Safety or call 07 838 4444 for 24/7 Unisafe (Campus Security).

For more information regarding support both internally and externally, click on the red tabs above and scroll to the bottom of the page for support in your area.

Violence Prevention is excited to announce the next workshop dates at the University of Waikato:
STUDENTS (Bringing in the Bystander): 28 June 2023 11am-2:30pm TAURANGA. Register here.
STUDENTS (Bringing in the Bystander): 18 July 2023 9am-12:30pm HAMILTON. Register here.
STAFF (Hybrid): 3 July 9am-3:30pm HAMILTON. Register here.

For Students and Staff

Bringing in the Bystander

A face-to-face prevention workshop aimed at empowering bystanders to gain the knowledge and skills needed to identify and safely intervene before, during and after instances of interpersonal violence.

Testimonials

• "Well-presented and thought-provoking thank you"
• "Would like to see more students taking up the opportunity to participate in these workshops."
• "It was a great environment with meaningful information"

To enquire about a workshop contact: [email protected].
Workshops will be advertised to students via Student News and Instagram as they become available. 
Workshops will be advertised to staff via staff communications.

For Staff & Student Leaders

Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence (First Responder Workshop)

A face-to-face workshop that complements the Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence module and provides information on a safe response to a disclosure, available internal and external support and reporting options, and understanding your responsibilities as a first responder. If you are in a student-focused role, this course will be particularly beneficial.

Testimonials

• "Awesome Presenters created a positive and safe environment to learn."
• "Course was easy to understand and very interesting"

Hybrid workshop: Bringing in the Bystander x Responding to disclosures

A face-to-face one-day workshop that provides an overview of sexual violence and family violence, bystander intervention and responding to disclosures of violence, as well as covering the University’s Sexual Violence Policy.

Testimonials

• "Very clear, interactive and interesting"
• "Really enjoyed the different issues being discussed and the interactions with group members."
• [Residential leader training] "Good to have open discussions about specific questions that are relevant to the needs of the residents."

To enquire about a workshop contact: [email protected].
Workshops will be advertised to staff via staff communications.

For Staff & Students

Consent Matters

Staff and students at the University of Waikato have access to an online module via Moodle called Consent Matters. This module supports the understanding of what consent is, and what their rights and responsibilities are. The module only takes one hour to complete.

For Staff & Student Leaders

Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence

Staff and student leaders at The University of Waikato have access to an online module called Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence. This module supports staff and student leaders with the knowledge to safely respond to someone who discloses an experience of sexual violence.

If you are having issues accessing the modules please contact: [email protected].

The University of Waikato has a zero-tolerance stance towards violence. Violence impacts the health and wellbeing of students and staff and may be in breach of the Code of Student Conduct, Staff Code of Conduct, or Sexual Violence Policy.

The Sexual Violence Procedures provide guidance on the University of Waikato's response and prevention regarding sexual violence.

Relevant University Policy and Procedures:

• Sexual Violence Policy & Procedures (sexual violence towards students by students)
• Bullying and Harassment Policy (bullying and harassment of staff by staff)
• Student Discipline Regulations (complaints from anyone about students)
• Student Complaints Procedures (complaints by a student about anything)

How to make a complaint

If you would like to make a complaint, you can do this online via our Complaints page. Alternatively, staff in the Student Centre and WSU student support can also help you.

If you are an international student and need support with the formal complaint process you can speak with an International Student Advisor.