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Community Safety

Gender Based Violence and Survivor Support

The Community Safety Office (CSO) assists Huron’s students, staff and faculty with their personal safety concerns.

Huron community members can visit the Community Safety Office to explore options related to their situation in a confidential and supportive setting.  We can also assist in co-creating a safety plan and provide resources both on campus and in the community.

The Community Safety Office can help students, staff and faculty at Huron file official complaints to the University under our Gender Based Sexual Violence policy, the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct and our Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Racism prevention policy.  Additionally, the office will be offering Gender Based Sexual Violence prevention programming, women’s self defence sessions and fraud awareness programming each year.

Get to know the
Community Safety Office

The Community Safety Office is here to offer support, resources and information.  We are located in the Wellness Centre, Office #6, and we can help if:

  • you are experiencing stalking or harassment
  • you are being bullied, intimidated or threatened
  • you are in a controlling or abusive relationship
  • you are living with family violence
  • you have been sexually assaulted
  • you have roommate issues
  • you have any safety concerns
  • you need a safety plan

Important Numbers

  • In an on-campus emergency, call Western Special Constable Services
    519-661-3300
  • In an off-campus emergency, call London Police Services
    911/ Non-emergency number: 519-661-5670
  • 24/7 Huron Campus Security
    519-521-9407
    or 555 on any campus wall phone
  • Huron’s Community Safety Office
    safety@huron.uwo.ca
    519-438-7224, ext 854
  • Huron’s Wellness Services
    huronwellness@huron.uwo.ca
  • ANOVA – 24-hour crisis, support line and 24-hour walk-in crisis support at 450 Clarke Rd and 101 Wellington Rd ; shelter for women and children – emergency transportation also provided
    519-642-3000 or 1-800-265-1576
    https://www.anovafuture.org/
  • Good2Talk – 24/7 confidential support line for post-secondary students for support and referrals
    1-866-925-5454
  • Reach Out – 24/7 confidential support line for mental health support
    1-866-933-2023
  • Kids Help Phone – Provides confidential anonymous call and text counselling and referrals to troubled or abused children and youth
    1-800-668-6868 | Text ‘CONNECT” to 686868
    https://kidshelpphone.ca/
  • CMHA Crisis Support
    Phone support – 519-434-9191
    Walk in support at the Crisis Centre – 648 Huron St, London, Open 24/7

Emergency Phones

The Code Blue Emergency Phones provide direct two-way communications to the Western Special Constable Service. There are Emergency Phones located on Burnlea Walk just past the Wellness Centre, as well as at the front of Huron’s parking lot and at the front of Springett parking lot; over 20 other phones are located throughout Western’s campus. Press the “Emergency” button for assistance.

Online Reporting Tool

If you would like to report an incident of Gender Based Sexual Violence; harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination and racism; or Huron’s Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct, you can attend the Community Safety Office or report online here:

Report an Incident

General Personal
Safety Tips

  • Familiarize yourself with Huron and the other campuses at Western. Know where the Western Special Constable Service and the Emergency Blue Assistance Phones are located
  • Always carry your identification with you in the event that you need assistance and your identification is required
  • Don’t let anyone who doesn’t have a student ID into the residence hall. Even if they ask nicely. Verify their identity.
  • Use the buddy system. Stick with your friends at parties and don’t let a friend leave a party alone or with someone you don’t know. Use the buddy system when taking public transportation, Uber and Lyft, too.  Designate one person to be in charge of everyone getting home safely
  • Use Huron’s Foot Patrol by calling 519-521-9407
  • Register any valuables with serial numbers (electronics, bikes, etc.) with Western’s Special Constable Service. This makes them easier to track if they’re stolen.
  • Consider exchanging family contact information with your roommate(s). It’s a good idea for parents to have the roommate’s phone number, too, so everyone can connect during an emergency
  • Avoid unsanctioned street gatherings.  These events often have calls for emergency assistance or medical intervention as a result of assaults or injuries
  • Sign up for self-defence courses offered at Huron (Wen Do, twice a year)
  • Save the numbers for Huron Security (519-438-7224, ext 555) and Western Special Constables (519-661-3300) in your phone

Computer Theft

Computers and mobile devices are often targeted by thieves as they are easy to conceal and transport.  Please consider the suggestions listed below to keep your property safe. 

  • Do not leave your mobile device or computer in plain view when unattended, even if your room or office is locked. 
  • When leaving your mobile device or laptop, store them out of sight in a secure location such as the trunk of your vehicle and a filing cabinet with a lock.
  • If your space will be unoccupied, close and lock the door, keeping your keys on you at all times. 
  • Download free “Prey” anti-theft software for Windows, Android and Ubuntu operating systems and iCloud for Macs.
  • Record and keep in a secure location the make, model, serial number, and original cost of the computer. 
  • Back up your data frequently and do not store sensitive or personal information on your device’s hard drive.

Fraud Awareness

6 Tips to Avoid Becoming The Victim of Fraud:

  1. Immigration Canada, Canadian Police and the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) will never threaten to deport or arrest you if you don’t provide money, personal information, etc.
  2. Beware and never respond to emails that ask for gift cards, personal details or offering you money, or offering you a job from an unofficial agency
  3. Protect your identity at all times.  Never give out your personal information, PIN, credit card number, password or financial information in a text, email or phone call
  4. Your bank will never ask for your password, PIN number, account number over the phone, via text, or email.  They will ask you to come into the bank
  5. Be very cautious when clicking on links sent via email – make sure the sender is who they say they are.
  6. Set your social media profile settings to private

IF YOU RECEIVE A PHONE CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL THAT YOU THINK MIGHT BE A SCAM, ALWAYS ASK FOR ADVICE. WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

WHEN IN DOUBT, REACH OUT TO:

Alcohol and Drug Safety

Alcohol and drugs (including cannabis and nicotine) are substances that cause a change in someone’s mental, emotional, or physical state. The use of any substance carries some risk, and can increase your vulnerability, so it is important to think about its short-term and long-term effects on your well-being and safety. 

It is okay to say no to using alcohol or drugs – do not let others pressure you to doing something you don’t want to.  Here are some tips to reduce potential harm to you or others if you do choose to use alcohol or drugs.

  • Eat food and drink water before and while drinking alcohol
  • Know your limits when it comes to drugs and alcohol.  Be aware of how alcohol affects you, set a drink limit for yourself before you start drinking, and know when you have had enough
  • Make arrangements for a safe ride home before you start drinking.  If possible, have a designated driver and do not get in a vehicle with anyone who has consumed drugs or alcohol 
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and illegal. Know what counts as impaired driving – and the penalties you could face for it – before you get behind the wheel. Under Ontario’s zero tolerance law for young, novice and commercial drivers, you cannot have any alcohol in your system if you are:
    • age 21 or under
    • a driver of any age who holds a G1, G2, M1, or M2 licence
  • Keep your drink with you at all times.  Only leave your drink with a friend that you trust, and if you do leave your drink unattended or have concerns about it, get a new one.  Do not accept drinks from other people, only get your drinks directly from the bartender
  • Keep an eye out for your friends. Pay attention to how your friends are doing. If you see a friend becoming too drunk, make sure they drink water, eat food, and stop drinking alcohol. You can also help them avoid being reckless or hurting themselves.  Do not leave your friends behind unless they have told you to, and then make sure you know how they are getting home
  • Be wary of drugs.   Do not accept drugs that are being handed out or sold to you.  You don’t know where they came from or what could be in them.  Do not take drugs if you are by yourself and have no one to help you if you need it.

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