Statement from the Vice-Chancellor
Media release
Statement from the Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin:
Our entire Deakin community is shocked and saddened by the death of Chen Cheng. We extend our deepest sympathies to Chen’s family and friends.
Deakin academic Adam Brown has been charged with Chen’s murder and has been remanded in custody until September.
On Wednesday night, I joined staff and students on our Waterfront, Waurn Ponds, Burwood and Warrnambool campuses for a candlelight vigil to remember Chen and all of the women and children in our community lost to family violence in the last year.
Our academic and professional support teams have been helping students and staff affected by this serious crime. On Tuesday, we suspended the relevant units so the course content could be revised. I extend my thanks to those involved in all aspects of this challenging work.
Everyone has the right to live, work and study in a safe and supportive environment. Deakin is steadfast in its commitment to oppose all forms of family violence and we will continue to improve our programs and support services.
Through these difficult days, it is important to remember that you are not alone; the Deakin community is there to support you and we can help each other.
If you need help or wish to access either Deakin or external support services, I encourage you to do so. Like Deakin, these services take domestic and family violence very seriously and are ready to support you not only during this time, but anytime you need:
- Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS) – free, confidential psychological support.
- Safer Community – Safer Community is the central point of contact for reports of problem behaviour, disclosures of sexual harm, family violence and missing persons.
- Support for Students located overseas - counselling and wellbeing service for students currently located outside of Australia, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Staff Counselling - Our Employee Wellbeing Support (EWS) is a free and confidential counselling service that all our employees can access, any time.
- Deakin’s Multifaith Chaplains – compassionate support to everyone, whether you're religious or not.
Support available external to Deakin:
- 1800RESPECT - National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service
- Safe Steps - Family Violence Response Centre
- Sexual Assault Crisis line 1800 806292 available 24/7
- No to Violence – Men’s referral service
- Rainbow Health Victoria - Supporting LGBTIQ health and well being
- Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples | 1800RESPECT
- For 24/7 support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
- For immediate assistance contact Victoria Police on 000.
The wellbeing, safety and support of our community continues to be our priority.