Safe Community Program

Monash University Community Services hosted a seminar on 'Working together for a Safer Community' on 1 October 2004 at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, Clayton Campus.

Universities across the world face the ongoing challenge of creating a learning environment that is open, supportive and safe. Balancing the dilemma of accessibility versus security is increasingly fraught as incidents of violence on campus grows. Monash University is not immune. While the recent tragic shooting provides a highly visible example, all manner of physical and verbal aggression demands a systematised response. In the aftermath of the shooting several Monash departments collaborated to produce a model of responding that considers the University's legal obligations, the need to provide safety on campus, and commitment to equal opportunity and free speech.

A one day seminar was offered to University personnel interested in learning about responding to behaviour that is either threatening, violent or may constitute stalking. The following leaders in their field presented at the seminar and reviewed the latest research that addresses the recognition, assessment and response to these problems.

• Professor Paul Mullen (Forensic Psychiatrist)
• Professor James Ogloff (Clinical and Forensic Psychologist)
• Ms Lisa Warren (Clinical and Forensic Psychologist)
• Amanda Lazar (Deputy University Solicitor) who addressed current Monash policies and statutes

Seminar Presentations

• Working together for a safer community (PowerPoint)
• Unusually persistent complainants (PowerPoint)
• Policy, procedure and guidelines (PowerPoint)

Brochure

The Working together for a safer community brochure can be viewed in PDF format or RTF format.

Guidelines

Guidelines for Responding to Threatening or Inappropriate Behaviour can be viewed in PDF format or RTF format.

Skills

Skills for Working Together for a Safer Community can be viewed in PowerPoint format.

Evaluation of Seminar Day and Feedback

Requested Follow-up Training and Information Sessions

• for all managers and supervisors to attend a repeat seminar
• small group training in de-escalation skills, particularly for frontline staff
• workgroup based training on do's and don'ts of dealing with difficult people
• refresher courses on security awareness and dealing with difficult people
• training in recognising potential psychological/behavioural problems

Staff are invited to contact managers at Health Wellbeing and Development on their campus to make enquiries regarding training or information sessions.