Auckland law firm Ryken and Associates say that depending on the situation, University students facing harassment or assault within a halls of residence may need to make a formal complaint to Police. The firm has shared some advice for students who may find themselves in a similar situation to a group of queer students at Auckland University, who have allegedly faced homophobic harassment in the halls of residence. While the firm cannot comment on the alleged actions of the student concerned without knowing the ins and outs of the situation, Solicitor Stewart Dalley, says their advice “would be that in such situations the first thing a student facing harassment or assault for whatever reason should do is to make themselves safe. “Thereafter, they should make a formal complaint to the University, with the assistance of the relevant student association. In addition, they should – depending on the nature of the incident – make a formal complaint to the police as there may be criminal as well as University specific outcomes. “No one should be made to live in fear, whether at home or at University accommodation. Here, the University has a duty to investigate the complaints, and indeed appears to be doing so.” Dalley says the firm would be happy to speak with the students concerned or the rainbow community at the University, and offer any assistance necessary.