STAYING SAFE AT ESSEX
Keeping you safe – it’s our number one priority. Your time at Essex should be (one of) the most fun and exciting times in your life. Something you’re free to enjoy - safely. Which is why we’ve put the below measures in place.
SU NIGHT VENUES
We would like to reassure students of our commitment to ensuring everyone can have a safe night out at all of the SU night venues; including Sub Zero and The In-between. To achieve this, we provide the following:
To help make sure everyone in Sub Zero has a great night and in line with our SU values we operate a strict zero tolerance approach to any form of harassment, racism, drug taking, sexual violence, violence, or anything that makes others feel uncomfortable.
It is on all of us to behave. If not, the party’s over for you and we may take further action. If you witness any unacceptable behaviour or ever feel unsafe please speak to any of our security team, email us at subzero@essex.ac.uk or report it here.
On a date and it’s not going well? Or feel unsafe for any reason? Simply come to the bar and ask for ‘Angela’ and our staff will know to help you discreetly, for example by calling a taxi on your behalf.
We recommend staying safe by keeping your drink close and not accepting drinks
from strangers. We also have free anti-spiking drinks toppers at the bar, simply ask to get one.
Stay hydrated and minimise a hangover the following day by grabbing a free glass of water from the bar. You’ll thank us tomorrow!
SU WELFARE ASSISTANTS
Dressed in yellow t-shirts so they’re easy to spot, our Welfare Assistants are here
to help look out for your wellbeing.
first aid trained staff
So that we always have help on hand if needed.
sia registered security team
To keep you safe and help the night run smoothly.
24-HOUR SECURITY TEAM
The University security team are based in the Information Centre on Square 3, or you can call them on 01206 872125.
RANDOM SEARCHES
In order to keep you safe on a night out, we carry out a number of random
searches to make sure no one is bringing anything into sub zero that they
shouldn’t be. To be as transparent as possible, we keep a record of the
searches conducted.
Please help us by playing your part in keeping the Essex student community safe. Stay respectful and considerate of others at all times.
FREE ALARMS
You can collect free panic alarms from SU Reception on Square 3. Free personal alarms are also available from the Information Centre on Square 3. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provides information on the purpose and use of personal alarms.
DRINK SPIKING IN SU VENUES
To help prevent drink spiking, free anti-spiking drinks toppers are also available at both of our bars; SU Bar and Top Bar. Remember to keep your drink close and do not accept drinks from strangers.
If you see anything suspicious in our venues, please let our security team know straight away. We urge anyone who thinks their drink might have been spiked to report it immediately to a member of staff on the night or here.
Spiking someone’s drink is illegal and the maximum sentence if found guilty is 10 years in prison. The responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator, and it is not your fault if you have your drink spiked on a night out. Our priority is to keep you safe and identify the people responsible.
REPORT & SUPPORT
Are you ok?
If you experience any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination, report it and get the support you need.
REPORT & SUPPORT
Reports can be made in two ways;
Reporting to an adviser
Choosing to report in this way will mean your contact details will be sent to a University adviser. They will be in contact with you within 3 days of you making the report to discuss the report and your wellbeing and options. You can also request the University to take action on the report when you submit it. This would mean the report is sent to the appropriate team for investigation (e.g. Student Conduct, University HR etc).
Reporting anonymously
If you choose this option, you will not be contacted following the submission of your report. The University is unable to take action on anonymous reports but the information provided will be used to collate data and inform the University’s proactive and preventative work on tackling sexual violence, harassment, hate crimes and bullying. If you wish to discuss the options, or would like help to submit a report, you are welcome to contact SU Advice and one of our advisers would be happy to discuss this and support you through the process.
Make sure they are ok
CHECK IN. ARE THEY OK?
LISTEN. HOW ARE THEY FEELING?
TAKE ACTION. REPORT IT TOO.
If you witness any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination, there are ways you can help
the targeted person feel less isolated and more confident to report it:
REPORT & SUPPORT
Together we can put an end to all forms of harassment.