Personal safety for members of our RVC community is something we take very seriously. We agree that no-one should feel unsafe when going about their daily business and are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment in and around campus. Following on from important conversations about women’s right to feel safe at all times, we wanted to remind you about some useful information on personal safety and how you can access support.

As part of our work on this important issue we have implemented a new reporting platform RVC Report and Support which you can use to report concerns, anything you have witnessed or have experienced in regards to harassment, gender-based violence and hate incidents. The platform also offers a range of support resources which we encourage everyone to take a look at.   

Who to contact at the RVC

If you have any concerns about your personal safety you can also contact us:

RVC Security (Hawkshead) – 01707 666 258 – This number is available 24 hours per day and is the out of hours number for the RVC.

RVC Security (Camden) – 020 7468 5121

RVC Advice Centre – 020 8051 3500 or advice@rvc.ac.uk– available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm

If the concern relates to your safety on AHEMS placements you can contact the team during office hours on 01707 666 028 or ahems@rvc.ac.uk. For out of hours concerns on placement please contact 01707 666 258.

If the issue relates to your safety on EMS placements you can contact the team during office hours on 01707 666 372 or 01707 666 546. For out of hours concerns on placement please contact 01707 666 258.

Staying Safe

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust also has a range of important information on staying safe and have the following advice for students:

University can mean a new city and environment, which is exciting! Enjoy your new surroundings safely by following these top tips:

ACCOMMODATION 

• When choosing where to stay, make sure that it’s secure and that the area feels safe. It’s a good idea to see what it is like at night as well as during the day. 
• Make sure you meet all your prospective flat mates and  trust your instincts  when deciding whether or not to move in.
• When you leave your room in halls, always lock the door and shut the window, even if you are only popping next door for a minute.
• Consider the risks before inviting someone you’ve just met into your room.
• Don’t let anyone into your block by holding a door open unless you know them or have checked their ID.
• If you see anything suspicious, report it to your campus security or police. 

GOING OUT AT NIGHT 

• Try to plan ahead. Make sure someone knows where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return.  
• Always plan how you are going to get home again. 
• Don’t leave your drink unattended, and if you start to feel unwell seek assistance from venue staff. 
• When out with friends, look out for each other and consider travelling back together, or “checking in” when you each arrive home safely.

SAFETY WHEN OUT AND ABOUT

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. 
• Avoid chatting on your mobile phone or listening to music on your headphones, as this can distract you from your surroundings or any potential danger signs. 
• Think about getting a personal safety alarm. Keep it in an easily accessible place and carry it in your hand if you feel at risk. It can be used to momentarily distract an attacker giving you vital seconds to escape. 
• If you are out at night, try to stick to busy streets and near other people. Avoid danger spots such as poorly-lit areas, deserted parks, or quiet alleyways. 
• Ask if there are any areas near your halls that should be avoided. Some short-cuts may be great during the day but have a reputation amongst other students for being unsafe at night. 
• If you see someone else in trouble, think twice before trying to help. This may just aggravate the problem and you could end up hurt as well. It may be a lot more helpful to shout for help, call the police or generally make a lot of noise to attract attention. 

TRAVEL BY TAXI / UBER

• Share information about your journey and the vehicle you’re using with someone you trust
• Ask the driver to show you their badge before you start your journey  
• Find out which licensed taxis and private hire vehicles operate in your area and plan your journey in advance  
• Examine the taxi or minicab before you get in – is a licence displayed on the vehicle? Does the vehicle look roadworthy?  
• Trust your instincts – if you feel worried or threatened, ask the driver to stop in a busy area so you can get out 
• You can report any concerns about taxis or private hire vehicles to the police and your local licensing authority 
• Uber rides can only be requested through the app, so never get in a car with a driver who claims to be with Uber and offers a ride.  
• If you are riding alone, sit in the backseat.
• While en route, tap “Share status” in the app to share your driver's name, photo, license plate, and location with a friend or family member.

TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT 

• Where possible wait in a well-lit, busy area. 
• Don’t be afraid of moving should someone’s behaviour cause you concern. 
• Trust your instinct. 
• Call British transport police on 61016 to seek assistance or report incidents on the rail network

PHONE SNATCHING

• Unfortunately phone snatching by individuals on mopeds and bikes is still a common crime in London   
• Always be aware of your surroundings when using your phone. Be alert and look out for bikes and mopeds, especially if they are on the pavement.
• Avoid taking your phone out when you leave public transport hubs.
• Make sure the screen is kept locked so that it cannot be accessed straight away. 

Helping each other stay safe

We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe so please be mindful of the impact of your actions on others. This is particularly important when walking after dark. Some simple steps to help include:

• Cross to the other side of the road rather than walking behind
• Keep your distance and give space if overtaking
• Don’t stare
• Remove your face mask
• Walk your female friends home
• Don’t make comments

Useful resources

The Complete University Guide – Staying safe at University

Metropolitan Police – tips for staying safe on the street

British Council – Safety First: A guide for keeping safe in the