The Shielded Site offers victims of abuse, including family violence, a discreet way of seeking support without fear of it showing up in their browsing history.
The University community can find the Shielded site icon—a small image of a computer with half the screen shaded—at the bottom right of the University’s website.
When you click on the icon, it gives you information about how to keep safe, how to seek help, and provides a contact email form for contacting Women’s Refuge. It also gives advice on how to keep your web history private on other sites if you think your online presence is being monitored.
The inclusion of this tool on our website shows the University’s commitment to the safety of our community, says Provost Professor Wendy Larner.
“We hope that anyone experiencing abuse will feel encouraged to seek help either through the Shielded Site on the University’s website, and by connecting with our own campus support services.”
If students are experiencing domestic or family violence, the Student Interest and Conflict Resolution team can assist them to manage the impact on their studies or talk to them about their safety.
Mauri Ora (Student Health and Counselling) also offers confidential health consultations and counselling support for students.
Members of staff can talk to their manager, Human Resources, or to Benestar—the University’s EAP provider.