Violence Prevention
We're committed to creating safe campuses through violence prevention initiatives and education. Discover how to access support and get involved in building a safe University community.
If you or someone else are in immediate danger, call 111. If you cannot speak, stay silent and press 55. View the Silent Solution (opens in a new tab) PDF for more information.
What is Violence Prevention?
Violence Prevention is part of the Student Health Service. We work with students, staff and community organisations to create a university where everyone feels safe, respected and supported - free from interpersonal violence (opens in a new tab).
The Violence Prevention team includes:
- Violence Prevention Coordinator, and
- Health Promoter - Violence Prevention
Our initiatives include workshops, online learning, campaigns and events, advice/support to staff and student leaders who are supporting students from the Violence Prevention Coordinator, and one-on-one support to students from the Violence Prevention Coordinator.
Keep up to date with Violence Prevention on Instagram (opens in a new tab).
Download and read our Respectful Relationships and Interactions in Aotearoa New Zealand (opens in a new tab) (PDF, 1.1MB) pamphlet.
Where can I find support?
If you or someone else are in immediate danger, call 111. If you cannot speak, stay silent and press 55. Download the Silent Solution (opens in a new tab) PDF for more information.
The Student Health Service (opens in a new tab) is able to provide on-campus support, resources and referrals for students experiencing interpersonal violence. The team is supported by the Violence Prevention Coordinator who provides specialist knowledge and support and is also available to meet with students to discuss support options, safety planning, and provide education. Contact the Student Health Service.
Call UniSafe (campus security (opens in a new tab)) for on campus safety or call 07 838 4444 (0800 WAIKATO option 4).
For more information regarding services and support both internally and externally, head to 'Violence Prevention Support'
Having an awareness of and responding safely to instances of interpersonal violence is everyone's responsibility! We provide training to both staff and students to support them at the University of Waikato and beyond.
For Students
Bystander Intervention
People talk about bystander intervention a lot, but what exactly is it and why does it matter? This face-to-face prevention workshop aims to empower our university community to gain the knowledge and skills needed to identify and safely intervene before, during and after instances of interpersonal violence.
Women's Street Smart Self-defence Workshop
Thanks to the Student Health Service's Violence Prevention team and the Waikato Students' Union, we are bringing students Women's Street Smart Self-defence by MINDSET Self-Defence & Close Quarters Combat (opens in a new tab) for free!
Students will be advised of upcoming workshops via social media and Student News.
Spanning four evenings, across three weeks, these are FREE, hands-on, practical workshops that are taught in universities across the country. The sessions cover a range of topics, teaching a range of techniques from de-escalation, to defending yourself from bear hugs and wrist grabs. The sessions can be physically and mentally challenging, so we ask participants to take care and reach out for support by contacting the Violence Prevention Coordinator.
For Staff and Student Leaders
Responding to disclosures
This workshop covers topics such as prevalence of sexual and family violence in Aotearoa, survivor impacts, building empathy, responding to disclosures, and our responsibilities as staff at the University of Waikato.
Staff can find out more via Te Hononga.
We run campaigns throughout the year that promote safety, respect and community connection.
25 February 2026 - Campus Crawl (Hamilton Campus)
12, 19, 26 March 2026 - MINDSET Self-Defence (Tauranga Campus)
28 April 2026 1-2pm - Bingo with Benefits (Wellbeing Hub - Hamilton Campus)
6 May 2026 1-2pm - The Inside Scoop student voice session (Wellbeing Hub - Hamilton Campus)
19 May 2026 12-1pm - Bystander Intervention webinar (online). Register for the event (opens in a new tab).
Access learning at your own pace through our online modules
For Students and Staff
Consent Matters
Staff and students at the University of Waikato have access to an online module via Moodle called Consent Matters (opens in a new tab). This module supports the understanding of what consent is, and what their rights and responsibilities are. The module only takes one hour to complete.
Relationships and Sexual Health
This online course, Relationships and Sexual Health (opens in a new tab), provides introductory information on the topics of contraception, sexual health, relationships and consent. This module was developed by the Student Health Service Registered Nurse Community Prescriber based in Tauranga and the Violence Prevention Coordinator.
For Staff and Student Leaders
Responding to Disclosures - launching 2026
Staff and student leaders at The University of Waikato have access to an online module called Responding to Disclosures. This module supports staff and student leaders with the knowledge to safely respond to someone who discloses an experience of harm.
If you are having issues accessing the modules please contact Violence Prevention.
Important guidance
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 Interpersonal Violence Policy (opens in a new tab) and Sexual Violence Policy (opens in a new tab).
The Interpersonal Violence Procedures (opens in a new tab) provide guidance on the University of Waikato's response and prevention regarding interpersonal violence (including family violence and sexual violence). These procedures outline what to expect if you choose to make a complaint at the University of Waikato or if you are the respondent of a complaint under the Interpersonal Violence Policy and Sexual Violence Policy.
Other relevant information:
- Personal Safety Plan (opens in a new tab)
- Student Complaints Procedures (opens in a new tab) (complaints by a student)
- Student Discipline Regulations (opens in a new tab)
- Code of Student Conduct (opens in a new tab)
- Staff Code of Conduct (opens in a new tab)
How to make a complaint
If you would like to make a complaint (opens in a new tab), you can do this online via MyWaikato. (opens in a new tab) Alternatively, staff in the Student Centre, International Student Services Office (opens in a new tab) and Waikato Students' Union Support and Advocacy team (opens in a new tab) can also assist you.
Students can also contact the Violence Prevention Coordinator for information on the policies/complaints process or make an appointment by contacting the Student Health Service.