Introduction

Galway is a small city and is generally seen as being one that is safe. However, it is always of the utmost importance to keep your safety in mind to avoid being a victim of a crime.  When starting college, a time that is rife with new experience and newfound independence, your own safety is something to be sure of.

The Garda liaison officer for NUI Galway is Garda Nora Brady. She is available to meet with students once a month to discuss any problems/queries you have regarding complaints made about you, your house, Garda warnings issued, theft, personal safety, security etc. Garda Brady is here to make sure that students are treated and represented fairly. Contact: 091 538079.

Safety on Campus

While NUI Galway campus is generally a safe place, it is not advisable to use an internal route on your own late in the evening.   The riverbank walk can be viewed as isolated and no one should use any isolated area after dark.   Always park your car or bicycle near your building late in the evening.   Check your surroundings before you leave the vicinity of the building you are leaving.   Where possible travel in pairs.

Contact: 091 538079 If you notice anybody acting suspiciously on campus please call security on 091 493333.

How can I stay safe on a night out?

Never leave a drink unattended. Putting a coaster over it is not enough to ensure that something might get put into it. For your own safety, always keep a drink in your hand or at the very least in plain view.

When getting home after a night out make sure you have a friend or housemate with you when walking or get a taxi. It could be dangerous to walk home alone, especially if you live outside of the city centre. Avoid taking short cuts. Keep distant from bodies of water like the canal and the river late at night.

Avoid using cash machines/ATMs at night if you are alone.

How can I ensure that I am safe in my house?

Always remember to lock all doors and windows at night. Always double-check before going to bed, don’t just assume that one of your housemates will have done it first. If you arrive home and there are signs that the house has been broken into, do not enter before contacting onsite security or the police. Before leaving your house ensure that windows and doors are close, and that there are no valuables (laptops, phones, iPads) visible from a window. You might also want to take your valuable property home for the weekend. Check your insurance cover for your house/apartment covers your property for damage and theft.

How can I prevent a fire from breaking out in my house?

Firstly, it is very important that you have fully functioning fire alarms in your house. Do not leave the kitchen if you are cooking. Never leave candles near flammable objects such as curtains. Try to avoid smoking indoors. If you are planning smoking indoors, then ensure that all cigarette butts are quenched fully before being abandoned.

Are there ways that I can improve my ability to defend myself in the event of a crime?

NUI Galway provides self-defence courses throughout the year with the objective of providing the learners with a safe and dynamic strategy for managing their own personal safety, as well as some physical techniques to allow them escape from common attacks, grabs and holds. For more information on how to register for these classes visit the Student Union’s website

http://services.su.nuigalway.ie/site/view/3134/

If you have been the victim of a sexual assault then it is important that you make it known and that you do not allow yourself to suffer in silence. Contacting the Gardaí (http://www.garda.ie/Stations/Default.aspx) is important, but the NUI Galway counselling service (http://www.nuigalway.ie/student_services/counsellors/) and the Galway Rape Crisis Centre (http://www.galwayrcc.org/) are also available and willing to provide any help you may need.

Other useful links are:

Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU)

Provide specialist care for women and men aged 14 years and over who have recently been sexually assulted or raped.  The specialist team provide easily accessible, holistic services which address the medical, psychological and emotional needs and appropriate follow up care for victims of sexual crime, in a supportive, sensitive manner.

Service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in Galway city

091 765751  Monday to Friday 8am - 4 pm      Out of hours contact your local Garda station.

Adult Counselling Service, HSE West

The Adult Counselling service provides free, confidential, individual and group therapy to adult survivors of childhood abuse. This includes sexual, emotional, physical abuse and neglect during childhood

HSE West includes Galway, Mayo and Roscommon:             1800 234 114

AMEN

Provides a confidential helpline, information and a support service for male victims of domestic abuse and their children

Helpline: 046 902 3718 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm        www.amen.ie   Email: info@amen.ie