OUSA has introduced access to the Shielded Site Project through its website.
Shielded Site is put together by Women’s Refuge New Zealand and is an icon that sits on any website and launches anonymous resources to help those in domestic violence situations.
Victims of abuse can access information about how to get out of a dangerous situation, stay safe online, and plan what comes next without it showing up in their browser history.
Women’s Refuge started the initiative to allow victims of domestic abuse to access vital information without being tracked by their abusers online. According to their website, GPS tracking, banking and email passwords and web histories are all used by abusers to “keep tabs” on their victims, “making it harder than ever for those looking for help to find it”.
OUSA President Caitlin Barlow-Groome said “OUSA has added this to their website in late March with the intention of providing more information and support for students and the wider community”.
Education Officer James Heath, who led the initiative, said "OUSA is proud to join the likes of Trade Me, Stats NZ, and the Auckland University Students' Association”.
“The Shielded Site Project can help with making a plan, learning what services are available, and how to safely access them – just look for the grey computer icon at the bottom of the OUSA website. We are currently planning on getting the University on board as well. The more websites using this fantastic tool the better and safer our communities will be."