Creating a safe and respectful community
Information and resources for staff and students.
Distract (change subject, create a diversion)
Distraction can help us defuse and de-escalate situations. It might involve redirecting a harmful conversation and changing the subject to a safer topic or distracting an abuser. This can make the situation better and can still have a significant positive impact on the person being targeted even if it does not resolve the core issue.
Examples include saying things like:
- Creating distance: "Let's head somewhere else."
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.