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. Download the Silent Solution PDF for more information.
What is Violence Prevention?
Violence Prevention is part of the Student Health Service and provides initiatives that are aimed at the whole university community with the intention of preventing interpersonal violence before it occurs and promoting a safe university community. These initiatives include workshops, online learning, campaigns and events, and advice/support to staff and student leaders who are supporting students from the Violence Prevention Coordinator.
The Violence Prevention team includes the Violence Prevention Coordinator and Violence Prevention Health Promoter. Volunteer Student Violence Prevention Ambassadors also support Violence Prevention initiatives.
Keep up to date with Violence Prevention on Instagram.
Download and read our Respectful Relationships and Interactions in Aotearoa New Zealand (PDF, 1.1MB) pamphlet.
Where can I find support?
The Student Health Service 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.
For information on UniSafe (campus security) go to Student Safety or call 07 838 4444.
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 for free!
Students will be advised of upcoming workshops via social media and Student News.
B-Trimester 2025 - Hamilton Campus
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 at violenceprevention@waikato.ac.nz.
Workshops will run from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 24, 31 July, 7, 14 August.
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.
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. This module supports the understanding of what consent is, and what their rights and responsibilities are. The module only takes one hour to complete.
Tackling Harassment
Staff and students at the University of Waikato have access to an online module via Moodle called Tackling Harassment. This module aims to raise awareness on harassment and hate, counteract barriers to reporting and intervention, and encourage positive social and cultural change throughout the whole university community.
Relationships and Sexual Health
This online course, Relationships and Sexual Health, 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 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: violenceprevention@waikato.ac.nz.
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, Sexual Violence Policy, Code of Student Conduct, Staff Code of Conduct.
The Interpersonal Violence Procedures and Sexual Violence Procedures provide guidance on the University of Waikato's response and prevention regarding interpersonal violence, family violence, and sexual violence. The Interpersonal Violence Procedures also reference a University of Waikato Personal Safety Plan for people who have been harmed and who are harming others.
Other relevant University Policy and Procedures:
- Personal Safety Plan
- Bullying and Harassment Policy (bullying and harassment of staff by staff)
- Student Complaints Procedures (complaints by a student)
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 Waikato Students' Union Advocacy and Voice team can also help you.
Students can contact the Violence Prevention Coordinator for information on the policies/complaints process. Alternatively, if you are an international student and need support with the formal complaint process you can speak with an International Student Advisor.